Franklin Pierce High School The AP Program
The Basics Advanced Placement Program (AP ) courses are college-level courses offered in high school. AP courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses At the end of course, students take AP Exams standardized exams that measure how well students have mastered college-level course work. Students who do well on AP Exams can earn credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. 2
Benefits of Taking AP Courses 85% of selective colleges/universities report that a student s AP favorably impacts admission. College credit for qualifying AP Exam scores. Typically 3 or higher (2 on Cal BC = 5 credits of math at UW) Build College Skills: Rigorous and relevant courses that prepare you for college! 3
The Benefits of AP Courses AP courses can be challenging, but it s work that pays off. AP courses are often the most interesting and fulfilling courses a student takes in high school. AP teachers are among the most prepared, dedicated, and inspiring teachers at their schools. Students develop confidence, and learn the study habits and time management skills essential for success in college. 4
Factors in Influencing Admissions Decisions 5
AP Courses Offered by Our School: Math: Statistics Calculus AB Calculus BC Social Studies: Human Geography World History US History/American History Science: Biology Environmental Science English: English Language (11 th ) English Literature (12 th ) Language: Spanish Government and Politics Psychology 6
What Are AP Courses Like? AP courses typically demand more of students than regular or honors courses. Classes tend to be fast-paced and cover more material than typical high school classes. More time, inside and outside of the classroom, is required to complete lessons, assignments and homework. AP teachers expect their students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh competing perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively. 7
AP Exams 8 AP Exams are administered by our school on set dates each May. All students at Franklin Pierce MUST take the AP Exam for each class they re registered for. Exams usually last around three hours. Each AP Exam contains: Multiple-choice questions Free-response questions (essay, problemsolving, oral response)
AP Exam Dates May 2 nd -13 th Week 1 Exams: Dates/Times Chemistry Environmental Science Psychology Spanish Language English Literature (12 th grade) Calculus AB/BC United State History Monday, May 2 nd (morning) Monday, May 2 nd (morning) Monday, May 2 nd (afternoon) Tuesday, May 3 rd (morning) Wednesday, May 4 th (morning) Thursday, May 5 th (morning) Friday, May 6 th (morning) Week 2 Exams: Biology Government/Pol. English Language (11 th grade) World History Statistics Human Geography Dates/Times Monday, May 9 th (morning) Tuesday, May 10 th (morning) Wednesday, May 11 th (morning) Thursday, May 12 th (morning) Thursday, May 12 th (afternoon) Friday, May 13 th (morning) AP Art History, Chinese, German, Japanese, Latin, Music Theory, Physics, French, Microeconomics, Italian, Comparative Government, Spanish Literature and Studio Art are not offered at FPHS. Please contact Ms. Conklin by February 1st if you would like to take one of these exams. 9
AP Exam Fees AP Exam fee is approximately $90 per exam. For students with Free/Reduced Lunch the AP Exam fee is approximately $20 per exam. Student MUST have Food Nutrition Services send a letter to Ms. Conklin by January 29 th 10
AP Helps Students Graduate on Time Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time. Only one in four students who enter college complete a bachelor s degree in four years.* A recent study** showed that students taking AP courses and exams were much more likely to earn a college degree in four years. For example, AP English Literature students had four-year college graduation rates that were 61% higher than students that had not taken AP English Literature. 11 * IPEDS database, 2008 ** Linda Hargrove, Donn Godin, and Barbara Dodd, College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences. The College Board, 2008.
AP and College Success Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor s degree in four years or less. Source: Camara, Wayne (2003). College Persistence, Graduation, and Remediation. College Board Research Notes (RN-19). New York, NY: College Board. 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 29 45 61 No AP One AP Two+ AP
and Save Money Students who take five years or more to graduate can spend $8,000-$27,000 for each additional year in college. The typical college cost per year for a four-year public institution is $8,142 for in-state students and $19,670 for out-of-state students.* Students attending private institutions might expect to incur $27,389 for each additional year it takes to earn a bachelor s degree.* 13 * Costs include tuition, fees, and books and supplies only, and do not include room, board, and other living expenses. Average Estimated Undergraduate Budgets, 2009-10 (Enrollment- Weighted). The College Board, Trends in College Pricing, 2009.
AP Boosts Eligibility for Scholarships 31% of colleges and universities consider a student s AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive scholarships.* Having the AP Exam score can make the difference when it comes down to awarding precious scholarship dollars. Edwina Harris Hamby, former Dean of Admission, Fisk University 14 * Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc. March 2007
Summer Workshop All AP students MUST attend the Summer Workshop on August 20 th @ 9-11am 15
Learn More See our Franklin Pierce High School Policies and Procedures and AP Commitment Agreement. For more information about AP courses and exams visit www.collegeboard.org/apstudents. 16
What s Next: 8:50-10:30am Break Out Sessions with AP Teachers 17