Advanced Placement
The
Advanced Placement (AP) Program is sponsored by the College Board, a
non-profit membership association.
Oak Grove's AP Course Offerings:
- Art History
- Art Studio
- Calculus AB
- Calculus BC
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- English Literature
- English Language
- French
- Government
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish Language
- Statistics
- United States History
- World History
AP Examinations require students to demonstrate
that they have achieved at the college level. Over 90% of the most
selected colleges and universities give credit and/or advanced placement
to students with acceptable scores on AP Exams. In a study of former AP
students, 91% ranked their AP experiences as their most valuable
academic work in high school. An AP course will give you an opportunity
to experience academic challenges usually reserved for college students.
Of course the AP Exam is challenging, but, accepting that challenge can
be very rewarding,
Commonly Asked Questions About AP:
- You can actually receive hours (units) of credit at the college you will attend. This can mean a substantial savings in tuition costs as well as books and other materials associated with college classes.
- By receiving credits and/or advanced placement you will have more flexibility in your college schedule. You can avoid taking some of the more crowded beginning classes. You may have the ability to explore other fields and some AP students actually choose to have double majors.
- Successful AP candidates are also highly sought after by the most selective colleges and universities. Likewise, scholarship programs look at AP Exams as evidence of a student's ability and desire to excel. Many Successful AP candidates can be admitted to special Honor Programs at their college. And for those students with three or more acceptable AP Exam grades, they are potentially eligible for sophomore standing in college (a tremendous savings in tuition).
- What happens if the college you will attend does not recognize AP grades? First, not many colleges/universities fail to accept them and they are often updating their policies. Your AP grades will always be on record and could be used for credit at a later date. Second, you may change your college choice or transfer to another college at a later date. It's always a good idea to build up as many credentials in your favor as you can. YOU always have control of where these AP scores are sent.
- Some students worry about not passing the AP Exams. This is only natural, but it is far better to start your study of Calculus with the thought in mind that you will be taking the Exam. Even if you were not to pass it, the colleges recognize that you have made a serious commitment to just prepare for and take the exam. They know that you will be the type of student they want at their college or university. We feel that if you work diligently towards the course objectives, then you will have an excellent opportunity to pass the AP Exam. It is a challenging Exam, but one you can accomplish with a positive attitude and hard work.
You can explore more by visiting the College Board web site at: www.collegeboard.org/ap