Advanced Placement Courses

In essence, Advanced Placement courses are college courses taught on a high school campus. These courses are matched to college expectations, are rigorous and require a significant amount of time and effort. The pace and rigor of these courses equals to that of a college classroom. It is vital to help your student select classes that he/she will be successful in as well as focusing on classes that are their educational strength.

The following information will assist parents and students in deciding which Advanced Placement courses are most appropriate. If you still have questions after reviewing this information, please contact your high school counselor.

What is the difference between an AP and a Pre-AP class?

An AP (Advanced Placement) class is a college level course designed to prepare students to take the College Board-sponsored AP exam in May of each year. These national curricula are developed by both high school and college faculty under the auspices of the College Board. Many universities award college credit based on AP exam scores of 3 or better (exam is based on score of 0 – 5.)

Pre AP courses are developed locally by district teachers to meet the needs of talented students. A Pre AP class parallels the curriculum offered in the corresponding regular class, but may cover additional topics or some topics in greater depth. Pre AP courses are matched to both state and College Board standards.

When and how do students get information about a particular AP class?

Students will receive information regarding AP class enrollment, expectations and pre-requisites during the student registration process. Students may schedule an appointment with their high school counselor at any time for further information. AP classes by designed are open access, meaning that students who meet necessary prerequisites may register for the class. Registration does not guarantee enrollment. Students will be notified in the late spring of their enrollment, and any summer assignment required for the class. It is important that parents/guardians participate in discussion about which AP courses will be of greatest value for their student.

How do AP classes affect a student's GPA?

Due to the extra degree of difficulty associated with AP classes, the Visalia Unified School District awards a weighted grade point (A = 5.0, B = 4.0, C = 3.0) for these classes. These additional grade points may boost a student's GPA. The degree to which colleges and universities accept these enhanced grades varies by institution. Some universities may not grant credit for lower AP exam scores (scores of 4 or lower, on scale of 5.)

What are the admissions criteria and prerequisites for AP and Pre AP classes?

AP classes recommend that students achieve an A, no less than a B in the pre-requisite class.

How many AP classes should a student attempt at one time?

Counselors usually advise students to take no more than three AP classes simultaneously. If a student is involved in athletics, a part-time job, or other extra-curricular activity, fewer AP courses may be appropriate.

Are AP Exams required and how much do they cost?

Each AP class is designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Exam given in May. The exams currently cost $91 and reduced cost applications are available. Contact your counselor for further information.

Contact your counselor for a full list of the AP Courses offered at your high school site.

Weighted Coursework, GPA, and Ranking on VUSD Transcripts

VUSD Transcript GPAs and Class Ranks

Board policy was updated June 26, 2018 by adding honors weight (5.0 scale), to transferable college coursework successfully completed by a VUSD high school student. This policy went into effect immediately after being approved by the school board. Due to the effect on current student who did or did not take advantage of this opportunity during the summer of 2018, an additional class tracking was added to the VUSD transcript. The VUSD transcript will now contain a class rank based on honors weight to AP courses only (the previous class rank calculation) and a class rank with the addition of college transferable course work.

Dual Enrollment/Concurrent Enrollment

“Dual credit” refers to the awarding of both high school and college credits for the same course.

In many cases, the high school awards double the credit for a college course, so that a one-semester college course fulfills a year-long high school requirement. In California, the high school district and the community college district governing boards can determine whether to award both high school and college credit to students for dual enrollment courses (CA Education Code Section 76001).

Common Questions Regarding Dual/Concurrent Enrollment

How do I take a college course?

A student must receive prior approval by the high school Student Services department to take college courses. Permission is required to substitute courses from another institution for high school graduation requirements. A concurrent Enrollment Permission Form is required each semester. Pleases see you Student Services department regarding college enrollment and college placement policies.

How many college courses can I take as a high school student?

Students are required to be enrolled in high school full time (6 periods). Any variation to this requires administrative permission. High School students may take up to 11 units of college coursework a semester. Please see your high school Student Services and the colleges’ policies regarding full-time status for high school age students.

How does a student get credit for college coursework?

Parents/students must present an official college transcript to their high school Student Services to receive high school credit and for the coursework to appear on a student’s high school transcripts.

What College coursework receives the 5.0 scale?

Coursework from a 4 year university or coursework which is transferable to a 4 year university/college qualifies. this is generally understood as academic community college courses numbered 001-099 (University of California transferable), and Courses numbered 100-199 (California State University transferable). Coursework numbered 200 and above will be weighted on a normal 4.0 scale.

Does transferable college PE courses receive credit on the 5.0 scale?

College Physical Education courses are not weighted on the 5.0 scale. PE courses are not considered academic coursework and will therefore be on the regular 4.0 scale if transferred into one’s high school transcript.