FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why take an AP class?

• Improve college admissions chances. AP classes will raise the "wow" factor of a student's high school record. If a student does well in an AP class, it's a signal to admissions counselors that he or she is ready for the pressures of college study.

• Win scholarships. AP courses and exam scores help students qualify for scholarships. According to The College Board, 31 percent of colleges and universities look at AP experience when making scholarship decisions.

• Arrive at college better prepared. AP classes sharpen students' writing skills, teach them how to think critically, and improve their problem-solving abilities. AP students learn to navigate the academic expectations they'll encounter in college courses.

• The challenge. Advanced Placement classes are rigorous and demanding, offering an intellectual stimulation that students won't get in regular high school courses.

• Earn college credit. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 (lowest) through 5 (highest). If a student earns a 3 or higher, he or she can typically receive course credits, advanced placement, or both upon arriving at college. AP policies vary from school to school, but the majority of colleges in the U.S. (as well as colleges and universities in 40 other countries) grant credit and/or accelerated placement for AP exams.

• Save money. Students with AP experience and credits are more likely to graduate from college in four years. Extra semesters (or years) at college can put a heavy financial burden on families.

Who should take an AP class?

The Advanced Placement experience is not for every student. Before choosing to enroll in an AP course, consider these factors:

• Past performance in the subject area. If a student has always excelled at science, AP Chemistry may be a great idea. On the other hand, if he or she tends to struggle in math, AP Calculus might be too much of an ordeal.

• Skills. AP courses in the humanities-English, history, philosophy, etc.-require heavy amounts of reading and writing. Are you prepared for long, difficult reading assignments, multiple essays, and in-depth research papers?

• Schedule. A student who plays sports year-round, holds leadership positions in one or more extracurricular activities, and/or has a part-time job may find it difficult to meet the sizeable obligations of an AP class.

Which academic subjects are available as AP courses?

AP classes are offered in 34 subjects, including Environmental Science, Psychology, and Chinese Language and Culture. A complete list is available at The College Board. Contact the school, or Mrs. Swanson,for which AP classes SSC offers.

How many AP classes should a student take?

For success in college admissions, there is no "magic number" of AP courses; it will depend on the individual student. If a student is highly ambitious and wants to take four AP classes in one semester, advise him or her to slow down! It's important to strike a balance between work and play. Some high schools, in fact, limit the number of AP courses a student can take. As a Washington Post article on AP classes cautions, "I know high school students who literally have no social life and enormous anxiety because they spend practically every waking hour doing school work."

How much do AP courses & exams cost?

There is no charge for AP classes; they are available as part of the high school curriculum. The fee for each AP exam is $96. If registered for dual enrollment through Nebraska Wesleyan University, it is $48. Fee reductions and refunds are available; for more information, click here.

What if a student is already enrolled in an AP course?

A small number of students take Advanced Placement courses as sophomores. If enrolled in one or more AP classes, remember that the AP exams are in May. To access exam prep materials at The College Board, click here. 

More info here: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses 

Dual Enrollment Programs: Pros and Cons

There are a number of benefits to dual-enrollment programs. Earning college credit while still in high school sounds like a dream for many students. In addition, these programs introduce students to the rigors of college coursework early, and recent studies have shown that students who participate in dual-enrollment programs are more likely go on to get a college degree. 

Why Consider a Dual-Enrollment Program?

• Dual enrollment gives students an idea of what full-time college coursework will be like, (source: ecampustours.com). By trying out a few classes while still in high school, students can get used to the academic environment before leaving the comfort and support of home.

• College courses can give a closer look at an area of academic interest. 

• According to collegeboard.com, most students change their majors at least once. Taking a college class as a high school senior can help find an area of interest before the pressure is on to declare a major.

• If a student didn't qualify to take AP courses, or if those courses weren't available, taking a college-level class will demonstrate the ability to handle more difficult coursework. This ability is something every college admissions officer wants to see.

• Due to the large number of online and virtual classes offered by many schools, dual-enrollment courses may be conducted right at high school. 

• Perhaps the biggest benefit of dual enrollment is to start accumulating college credits, helping to graduate on time or even early.

Dual Enrollment Sounds Great! Any Reason Not to Participate?

• If a course is already available at school, it might be best to take it there. Colleges may wonder why a student has chosen to take an intro class at a community college if there's an AP class in the same subject available at the high school level. (High school AP classes may well prove more challenging than an intro-level college course.) If the college course won't give something above and beyond what's available at high school, take a pass.

• If a college class will interfere with regular coursework or extracurriculars, it may not be a good idea. A college course should enhance a student's resume, but not at the expense of other resume-enhancing activities. 

• A college course in music appreciation is a great resume booster-as long as your child plans to go into music. If he or she is planning a career in chemistry, the music class won't help, and could raise questions about the academic rigor of senior year courses. Carefully consider the academic value of any class.

• Dual-enrollment courses are real college courses for real college credit; the grades will go on a permanent record. Before enrolling, make sure the student is ready for the demanding work a college class will require, or it could hurt his or her chances at college acceptance down the line. Furthermore, if a student fails a dual-enrollment course, it could mean he or she won't graduate high school on time.

• If considering a dual-enrollment program for the purpose of earning college credits, be sure of the value of the credits. For each college, check to see how many credits (if any) a dual-enrollment class would earn. The credit policy will depend on the school (e.g. community colleges and state colleges vs. universities).