You’re already using the skills it takes to succeed; AP challenges you to take them to new levels.
You don't need to be at the top of your class to be an AP student, but you'll want to be prepared for the AP course you choose. Some AP classes have recommended courses you should take first, and ALL AP courses ask that you come willing to do your best work.
You show your determination when you do the things that matter to you. Think about when you've learned or accomplished something you're really passionate about. You practice until you get it right. You try harder when it's not easy the first time. The effort pays off, and you feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you see how much you can do when you try. That is the kind of commitment that is sought out and rewarded in AP classes, and will help you succeed when you move beyond high school.
You consistently show up physically and mentally for class. Because AP courses move at a significantly faster pace, missing classes can make it more difficult to catch up. Attendance is considered a skill necessary for being “College and Career Ready” and will serve you beyond high school.
MYTH: AP courses are for students who always get good grades.
REALITY: AP courses are for any student who is academically prepared and motivated to take on college-level courses.
MYTH: AP courses are too stressful.
REALITY: It's no secret that AP courses are challenging. But in collaborative classrooms and for subjects you care about, the support you receive from your classmates and teachers can help ease your worries, once you know you’re committed and willing to do the work.
Advanced Placement (AP® ) courses are rigorous and academically challenging college-level courses that offer college-level curricula for BHS credit with the opportunity to earn college credit. The time required for an AP course is significantly greater than a regular class.
WHY TAKE AP COURSES? You should consider an AP class if you are interested in an academic challenge and would like to gain experience in a college-level class while you are still in high school. AP courses also offer the opportunity to earn college credit, which can expand your future opportunities.
DO I REALLY RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT FOR AP? By taking an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses. Most colleges and universities nationwide have an AP policy granting incoming students credit and/or placement for qualifying AP Examination grades. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a second major. AP can transform what once seemed unattainable into something within reach. Check out specific colleges’ guidelines on accepting AP scores for credit and placement by searching our AP Credit Policy database on the College Board’s website.
OTHER ADVANTAGES WHILE IN COLLEGE If you already know your preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam can help you advance and avoid required introductory courses, allowing you to move directly into upper-level classes and focus on the work that interests you most. Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to your major, whether or not you know what you want to major in, can place you beyond your college’s general education requirements. This opens up additional time on your schedule, enabling you to do a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue additional interests.
WHAT DOES IT COST? There is no fee for the course. At BHS, the cost per AP exam is $95 (fee subject to change). For a family whose income level meets national AP Program qualifications, fee reductions are available.
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT MY GPA (grade point average)? In December 2001, the Bozeman School Board voted to implement a weighted grading system [5=A; 4=B; 3=C; 2=D; 0=F]. Courses count towards weighted grades on the 5-point scale. For additional details, please contact your counselor.
WHAT AP COURSES ARE OFFERED? MAY I TAKE TWO OR MORE? You can take your AP course/s in conjunction with a full load of other BHS courses in order to meet graduation and diploma requirements. Classes meet daily. When developing your schedule, make sure you consider the rigorous workload in addition to other school and non-school obligations.
BHS offers the following AP courses:
AP STUDIO ART AP WORLD HISTORY AP MUSIC THEORY AP ENGLISH LIT & COMP
AP BIOLOGY AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AP PHYSICS AP MICROECONOMICS
AP CALCULUS AB AP GERMAN LANGUAGE AP PSYCHOLOGY AP US HISTORY (COMBO)
AP CALCULUS BC AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AP CHEMISTRY AP STATISTICS AP U.S. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
*Students may order unlisted AP exams, as well.
WHAT ARE ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES LIKE? Advanced Placement courses are more demanding than regular high school courses. These courses require strong skills in reading and writing and allow students the opportunity to engage in subjects at a greater depth than regular courses.
WILL I SUCCEED IN AP? You might think that AP classes are tough, and you might be right. But that does not mean that you are not up to the task. If you are willing to work hard, you will find that the qualities you use in other parts of life can help you achieve your goals. Since 1991, 83% of BHS students taking AP exams have earned marks of 3, 4, and 5 (the maximum score), exceeding the national figure of 65%. We encourage you to visit with the AP teacher of the course in which you are interested in order to learn about the course requirements before enrolling.