Advanced Placement at Berryville High School

What is Advanced Placement?

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a collaborative effort among motivated students, dedicated teachers, and high schools, colleges, and universities.  Since its inception, the program has allowed millions of high school students to take college-level courses and exams and to earn college credit while still in high school.  The program consists of two parts:  the course and the exam.  Students are expected to participate in both parts of the program. A $65 fee will be implemented for any student who does not test. Late testing will be addressed on an individual basis. If late testing is due to another school activity the activity will be charged a $65 late fee for each test. If late testing is due to sickness or illness, a certified medical note is the only thing that will waive the $65 fee. Students will be expected to complete testing agreements at the beginning of the 2nd Semester of the AP class.

Who should be involved in the AP Program?

· All college bound students   

· Students who want a challenging academic program.

What are the academic benefits of AP?

· Learn the subject in greater depth.

· Develop analytical reasoning skills.

· Form disciplined study habits.

· Gain confidence by meeting the challenge of college-level courses.

· Gain experience of college-level work within the support of the high school environment.

What are the college benefits of AP?

College admission counselors look for AP credit on transcripts.  AP credit improves a student's acceptance rate. Most colleges and universities award credit for successful completion of an AP exam. Students may be granted up to a full year's credit by a college/university upon completion of a number of AP exams.  Each college/university sets policy for AP exam credit.

To check each institution, go to http://reports.collegeboard.com

What are AP Exams?

AP classes include term and year-long courses of study which culminate with a nationally coordinated exam.

· AP exams for each course are prepared by the College Board Exam Development Committees.

· Most AP exams consist of a multiple choice section and a free-response section.

· Foreign language exams also include listening and speaking portions.

· Studio Art exams are based on a portfolio.

· Exams are typically three hours in length.

· Exam fees are set by the College Board.  The state of Arkansas currently pays the exam fee.

· Exams are given in May on a prescribed national schedule.

How are exams graded and scores reported?

Each AP exam grade is a weighted combination of the student's score on the multiple choice section and on the free-response section.

The final grade is reported on a 5-point scale

          5 = extremely well qualified

          4 = well qualified

          3 = qualified

          2 = possibly qualified

          1 = no recommendation

Exam scores are sent in July to the college/university designated on the the student's answer sheet, to the student's secondary school, and to the student.

How are AP grades reported on a transcript?

Because of the rigor of AP courses, all AP courses carry weighted grades.

A = 5    B = 4    C = 3    D = 2     F = 0

Students who complete the AP Program may be honored by the College Board in the following manner:

AP Scholar:  granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams on full-year courses.

AP Scholar with Honor:  granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams on full-year courses.

AP Scholar with Distinction:  granted to students who receive an average grade point of 3.5 or higher on five or more of these exams on full-year courses.

AP National Scholar:  granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on 8 or more exams.

What are AP course offerings?

· Rigorous college-level courses designed to accelerate curriculum

· Provide the opportunity to receive college credit through AP end-of-year course exam

· Weighted if end-of-year course is taken

· Open to all students

·  Honors courses are recommended but are not required prerequisites for AP courses.

How do I get into an AP course?

·         You must be recommended by 2 teachers, one must be a Language Arts teacher and the other must be a teacher in the subject area.

·         You must commit to the course work, which includes summer assignments and the AP test/exam in May.