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WHAT IS THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM? The Advanced Placement Program, administered by the College Board of New York, allows students to participate in college level courses and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity to show mastery in college-level courses by taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May of each school year.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MY CHILD TAKING
AN AP COURSE? Scoring well on an AP exam can fulfill requirements of the Texas Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). This special program requires high performance beyond that expected of students in high school. Those who meet the requirements of this program are awarded a special seal on their academic achievement record. Additionally, students who succeed on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school, saving both time and money. Credit on AP exams can save up to $1,500 in college tuition alone and/or count as credit for one or more courses. Some parents have saved the equivalent of $18,000 for a full year of college and total living expenses for their student. However, check with the college that the student is interested in to see if the institution awards credit for AP test success in areas of interest.
HOW DOES AN AP CLASS
COMPARE TO OTHER HIGH SCHOOL COURSES? WHY SHOULD I ENCOURAGE MY CHILD TO TAKE AN AP CLASS? WILL IT HURT MY CHILD’S GPA (GRADE POINT AVERAGE)? Students who succeed in AP courses generally do well in college as a result of the rigorous academic preparation. AP courses are weighted differently from regular course work (see a WHS counselor for more information). In this way, a student’s GPA is not adversely affected by taking AP courses. It is also important to know that because of the more challenging content, colleges look favorably upon students who participate in AP courses. Your child also can meet the requirements of the Distinguished Achievement Program by taking AP courses and attaining a score of 3 or above on AP exams.
WHAT IS THE DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM? The Distinguished Achievement Program is the advanced high school program for Texas students. The program is based on students completing the 26-credit recommended Weatherford Independent School District high school program. In addition to those credits, students must complete advanced measures at the college or professional level that are assessed by outside evaluators. In order to achieve this distinguished recognition, students must complete any combination of four of the advanced measures listed below: Earn a score of 3 or above on a College Board AP exam or a score of 4 or above on an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam (Each exam score counts as one measure.); ● A score on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher; ● A grade of 3.0 or higher on courses that count for college credit; ● Complete original research or project judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project or an appropriate audience (no more than 2 research projects can count toward the advanced measures). WHAT BACKGROUND DOES MY CHILD NEED IN ORDER TO SUCCEED ON AN AP EXAM? The content of an AP course is more sophisticated than that in a typical high school course because students are preparing for AP exams and college courses. Students should practice analyzing content, drawing comparisons, and reasoning through problems. They must be able to read perceptively and independently. Additionally, students need to be proficient in writing clear, concise essays. Students who are not skilled in these areas must be even more highly motivated to make up deficiencies at the same time they are taking more rigorous courses. The earlier students prepare for AP exams or college courses, by taking the most rigorous classes available, the more likely will be their success. AP vertical teams meet to ensure teachers and students focus on high academic standards as early as possible. The keys to success are motivation, self-discipline, and academic preparation. WHAT AP COURSES AND EXAMS DOES WISD OFFER? WISD offers the following AP courses and examinations: Studio Art (Drawing Portfolio, 2-D Portfolio, 3-D Portfolio), Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science (A), Economics (Macroeconomics), English (Language, Literature), Environmental Science, French (Language), Government and Politics (U.S.), History (European, U.S.), Mathematics (Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics), Physics (B, C-Mechanics), and Spanish (Language). In addition, we offer the AP examination on Music Theory.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE AN AP COURSE IN ORDER TO TAKE AN AP EXAM? No. However, research indicates that students who take AP courses score higher on AP exams than those students who do not take the courses.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR MY CHILD TO TAKE AN AP COURSE? EXAM? There are no charges for the courses if they are part of a school’s curriculum. In 2002, the exams were $78 each. However, the Texas Education Agency paid $30 of every examination so no Texas student paid more than $48 per exam. WHS counselors will have details for these requests for the present school year. WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT? The AP exams are given every year in May. Scores are reported to the colleges designated by the student and range from 1 (no recommendation) to 5 (extremely qualified). Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit, and most will consider a score of at least 3. Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test. Students should contact individual colleges visit or the College Board web site. HOW CAN I ASSIST MY CHILD WITH DOING WELL IN PRE-AP/AP COURSES? Preparation for Pre-AP/AP courses should begin early. You can encourage your child’s academic pursuits, help him or her schedule time wisely, encourage and require strong study skills, set up a good study atmosphere, and participate in college and AP planning with your child and the school counselor, principal, or teacher. Your support is important. HOW CAN I BE SURE THE COURSES MY CHILD TAKES BEFORE ENROLLING IN AP COURSES WILL PREPARE MY CHILD FOR AP CLASSES? The College Board encourages schools to form vertical teams for each subject in grades 6-12 who plan curriculum so that students learn early how to succeed in challenging courses. The teachers are encouraged to coordinate their curriculum to assure that they are preparing students. Training for teachers and administrators is offered throughout the year both on the regional and state level.
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT BESIDES AP EXAMS? Yes. Some options are: ● Dual credit courses that earn both high school and college credit offered through colleges and universities throughout the state. The courses may be taught at either the high school or college campus by a qualified teacher. Tuition and textbook fees may be required (see a WHS counselor); ● College correspondence courses offered to high school students through Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin (visit the web site at each respective university); ● CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams offered by colleges and universities. Check with the office of academic affairs at each college for more information and procedures.
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