Course Selection Guide

What is Advanced Placement?
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a collaborative effort among motivated students, dedicated teachers, and high schools, colleges, and universities.  Since its inception, the Program has allowed millions of high school students to take college-level courses and exams and to earn college credit while still in high school.  The program consists of two parts:  the course and the exam.  Students are expected to participate in both parts of the program.

Who should be involved in the AP Program?

• All college bound students
• Students who want a challenging academic program

What are the academic benefits of AP?

• Learn the subject in greater depth
• Develop analytical reasoning skills
• Form disciplined study habits
• Gain confidence by meeting the challenge of college-level courses
• Gain experience of college-level work within the support of the high school environment

What are the college benefits of AP?
College admission counselors look for AP credit on transcripts.  That credit improves a student's acceptance rate. Most colleges and universities award credit for successful completion of an AP exam. Students may be granted up to a full year's credit by a college/university upon completion of a number of AP exams.  Each college/university sets policy for AP exam credit.

To check each institution, go to http://reports.collegeboard.com

What are AP Exams?
AP classes include term and year-long courses of study which culminate with a nationally coordinated exam.

• AP exams for each course are prepared by the College Board Exam Development Committees
• Most AP exams consist of a multiple choice section and a free-response section
• Foreign language exams also include listening and speaking portions
• Studio Art exams are based on a portfolio
• Exams are typically three hours in length
• Exam fees are set by the College Board.  The state of Arkansas currently pays the exam fee
• Exams are given in May on a prescribed national schedule

2013 AP Exam Schedule

How are exams graded and scores reported?

Each AP exam grade is a weighted combination of the student's score on the multiple choice section and on the free-response section.
The final grade is reported on a 5-point scale:

5 = extremely well qualified

4 = well qualified

3 = qualified

2 = possibly qualified

1 = no recommendation

Exam scores are sent in July to the college/university designated on the the student's answer sheet, to the student's secondary school, and to the student.

How are AP grades reported on a transcript?
Because of the rigor of AP courses, all AP courses carry weighted grades.

         A = 5          B = 4          C = 3          D = 2           F = 0

Students who complete the AP Program may be honored by the College Board in the following manner:

• AP Scholar:  granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams on full-year courses.
• AP Scholar with Honor:  granted to students who receive an average grade of  least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams on full-year courses.
• AP Scholar with Distinction:  granted to students who receive an average grade point of 3.5 or higher on five or more of these exams on full-year courses.
• AP National Scholar:  granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on 8 or more exams.

What are AP course offerings?

• Rigorous college level courses designed to accelerate curriculum
• Provide opportunity to receive college credit through AP end-of-year course exam
• Weighted if end-of-year course is taken
• Open to all students
• Pre-AP courses are recommended but are not required prerequisites for AP courses.