Taking an AP class is a commitment, involving work and dedication on the part of the student, to raise the students to the level of academic rigor expected in University. So, why take AP?
Real University credit for courses with completed AP exams with a mark of 4 or 5. This can result in saving hundreds or thousands of dollars in University course fees.
AP exams in diploma subjects (such as Biology, Chemistry, and English) serve as a "second chance" on your diploma course marks! Many universities, including the U of A, will use an AP exam mark of 5 as a 96%, a 4 as a 86%, etc. as a replacement for your ENTIRE course mark.
Classes with like-minded, academically motivated students.
Focus on important course material, while also having a chance to work beyond to University level material.
Note: Students are only evaluated for report card marks based on regular Alberta Curriculum in that subject. Taking AP is not going to lower the student's marks compared to a non-AP classroom.
Getting into the University mindset in advance. Compared to the usual first-year drop out rate of 20% at the U of A, AP students are less than 5%.
Exclusive scholarships.
Worldwide recognition.
Status as AP Scholar or earning an AP Capstone Diploma.
Note: AP Scholars have completed three or more AP exams and received a mark of at least 3 in three of them. AP Capstone Diplomas show that a student has completed the Capstone classes (Seminar and Research) as well as four other AP exam-level classes.
Students can choose to take one or many AP courses to fit their needs and abilities.
It is easy to balance academic rigor with some fun by choosing from the many options courses, clubs, and teams available at O'Leary.
Taking an AP class is not about bringing down the mark of our best students by having them do a bunch of extra work... that would be counterproductive! AP work beyond the regular class work is assessed for bonus marks, raising AP students' marks compared to being in a regular class. AP students are only evaluated for report card marks based on regular Alberta Curriculum in that subject.
O'Leary awards AP Scholars $500 after completion of their grade 12 year.
Listen to what our students have to say about AP...
Please click this pdf link, Resources for Parents and Families, to read a document prepared by the College Board to explain some of the reasons to take AP, as well as answering some of the myths that continue to Exist around the AP program.
Want more detailed information from the College Board? Please visit Rise to Your Potential by clicking here.
Contact the O'Leary AP Coordinator at bryan.clintberg@ecsd.net