ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

 

 

Advanced Placement is a cooperative endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities.  This program, sponsored by the College Board, is designed to enable students to have the opportunity to take college level courses while still in high school.  At the end of the AP class, the student sits for the AP Exam – potentially earning college credit.  Tests are administered at Westside and registration typically takes place in late January or early February.
Additional AP information and testing schedule can be found on the College Board website. 

 

 

AP/PRE-AP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is AP?

 

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program sponsored by the College Board.  Participating in the program gives students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school.  The best source for information on AP is the College Board website – www.collegeboard.com. 

 

Why should I take AP courses?

AP courses teach students skills that can lead to success in college.  Students will develop the writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and study habits that will prepare him/her for college academics.  Plus, taking rigorous AP courses demonstrates a student’s maturity, willingness to push him/herself intellectually, and commitment to academic excellence, which can help him/her stand out in the college admissions process.

 

What are AP Exams?

 

AP Exams are given once a year in May.  These exams provide students with a standardized measure of what they’ve accomplished in the AP classroom.  Colleges and universities will use these AP Exam grades to possibly award the student credit, placement or both.  

 

This sounds like a lot of work.  Are there any other rewards?

 

In addition to the intellectual rewards listed above, AP and PAP students are also rewarded with an extra point on their GPA. 

For example:
Student A – Preparatory English 1     Semester Grade: A     GPA points: 4
Student B – Pre-AP English 1            Semester Grade: A     GPA points: 5

 

The following chart summarizes the GPA points for Pre-AP/AP vs. Prep classes.

 

 
Grade 
Pre-AP/AP
Preparatory
A
90-100
5 points
4 points
B
80 – 89
4 points
3 points
C
75 – 79
3 points
2 points
D
70 – 74
2 points
1 points
F
0 – 69
0 points
0 points

What grade do I have to make on the AP Exam to earn credit from my university? 

 

Each college/university has a unique credit policy.  In June of 2015, HB 1992 was passed; this legislation requires all Texas public colleges and universities to award credit to students who submit scores of 3 and higher on AP Exams.

 

You can use this link to find out about the policy at a particular college.  http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp

 

What are Pre-AP courses?

 

Pre-AP courses are designed to prepare students for the rigors of the AP course.  Enrollment in Pre-AP is not required to enroll in AP course – but, it is very beneficial.

 

Is there an application process?

 

No.  Westside has adopted the College Board’s philosophy of open enrollment.  If a student is interested in taking a PAP/AP course, then he/she will simply register for those courses when he/she completes course selection.

 

I have more questions – who can I ask?

 

 

Contact: Mrs. Martin-Perkins and Mrs. Raliegh for additional information.