Advanced Placement (AP)
AP Saturday Session Registration Link:
Updates for AP Students
AP students! Finish the year strong by seizing the opportunity to earn college credit through AP Exams.
Here’s what you can do to start preparing:
- Talk to your AP teacher or your school’s AP coordinator about this year’s AP Exam formats and make sure that you’re registered for your exams.
What is Advanced Placement?
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a nationally recognized set of rigorous classes, where students study advanced material, more in-depth and at an accelerated pace. The classes are designed for students who want to experience challenging, college-level material and give students a head start in college.
Benefits of AP Courses/AP Exams
There are three major benefits to taking AP courses in high school. They are:
Benefit # 1: Be a more attractive candidate to colleges.
- Students who take AP courses and perform well on the exams are viewed as stronger candidates for competitive colleges and trade/technical schools, as they demonstrate a dedication to academic excellence by pursuing the most challenging courses offered.
Benefit # 2: Be more prepared for college.
- According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), grades in rigorous courses such as AP are of “considerable importance” in college admission decisions. Research also shows that students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams are 3 times more likely to earn a college degree than those who do not score well. They are also significantly more likely to earn a degree than those not enrolled in AP courses at all.
Benefit # 3: Earn College Credit and Save Money
- Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide college credit and/or advanced placement for students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam. This not only gives students a head start on college, but it also saves them money.
Can I take AP Courses?
It's no secret that AP courses are hard work. Students enrolled in AP must have a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic. Determine if AP is a good fit for you. If you meet most of the following criteria, talk to a parent, guardian, counselor or teacher to learn how to start with AP today.
- You scored well on the PSAT during 10th grade and show AP potential.
- You had A's or B's during 10th grade in the subjects you are interested in taking.
- You are interested in the subject and preparing for college· You are willing to try new things.
- Your teachers think you would succeed in AP.
- You have a determination to do well and are disciplined.
How Can I Help Ensure My Student Is Ready For AP?
Here are some ways to get involved and ensure your student is ready for the rigors of AP.
- Talk to your student's counselors about enrolling him/her in Advanced Placement courses.
- Stay in contact with your student's school and teachers.
- Talk to your student every day about his/her schoolwork, education, and life-long goals.
- Insist that your student accepts responsibility for learning and behavior.
- Establish your expectations for your student's grades and communicate those to your student.
- Insist on good attendance. Students who maintain at least 90% attendance may be eligible to receive a scholarship for college from the Pittsburgh Promise.
Please visit the College Board for more information about the Advanced Placement program, or email us!