Advanced Placement Studies

Dear Parent,

Perhaps the easiest and most effective way for a student to stand out academically for college admission is to score well on Advanced Placement tests offered by the College Board (www.collegeboard.com).  While these studies are for the academically gifted student, they can represent significant reductions in the cost of college.  A student can receive a full year’s college credit and be granted college sophomore status from more than 1,400 higher education institutions by earning satisfactory grades on enough AP Exams. 

Advanced Placement is awarded by the college or university, not by the College Board.  Some institutions specify certain courses or other requirements for sophomore status.  The college’s catalog or website usually provides a detailed description of that institution’s Advanced Placement policy.  Credit is usually awarded when one is admitted, although some colleges and universities award sophomore standing only after the student has demonstrated the ability to do satisfactory college work.  When AP courses are added to the student’s curriculum, the result is a “weighted grade point average” (WGPA), such as 4.3 on a 4.0 scale.  This may help with admissions, but check with the institution the student is interested in attending to get a complete description of its AP policy before assuming that the student will get an AP credit.  AP exams are offered in a variety of subjects and are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.  The College Board gives these tests each May.  Each exam costs approximately $75. Many high schools offer students practice tests to familiarize themselves with the format. 

Some of the numerous benefits of AP courses are:

• Study a subject in greater depth
• Prepare for college caliber work
• Improve the chances of getting into a competitive college
• Increase the grade point average (GPA)
• Reduce college costs
• Increase time for special interest courses at college
• Increase the options for double majors or upper level courses
• Improve the ability to succeed in college
• Increase eligibility for an AP Scholar Award 

If your student is currently taking AP courses, strongly encourage him/her to put forth their best effort now so they will be well prepared for the AP exam in May.  As the exam approaches, and review begins, many student get “cold feet”, and decide not to take the exam because they realize (a bit too late) they are not prepared enough. 

Also, as they plan out their senior class schedule (just a few months around the corner), if they are in AP classes now, they should continue their senior year.  Some students are inclined to take a “lighter load” during senior year.  But, colleges will look to see that they continued with challenging classes through their senior year.

If your student is not currently taking AP classes, it is not too late.  Most high schools require a teacher recommendation for a student to take an AP class.  If your student is interested in taking an AP class in a particular subject their senior year, have them speak with their current teacher of that subject now.  If they get a good grade in the subject in their junior year, it is more than likely the teacher would be willing to recommend them for an AP level class. 

Until next month…I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!