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Is Advanced Placement the right choice for me? North Forsyth High School
Is Advanced Placement the right choice for me?
North Forsyth High School
What is the AP Program ?
Academic courses centered on a rigorous, college-level curriculum designed by the College Board.
Each course includes a rigorous end-of-course examination graded against national standards.
Why take AP Courses?Students taking AP Courses in high school have an advantage—they are preparing for success in college by taking college-level courses while still in high school
Explore advanced topics you like by studying in greater depth
Develop advanced skills by forming disciplined study habits
Build your confidence in your ability to succeed in college
Benefits of the AP Program
For Students:–Development of academic skills necessary for college success–Increase in self-confidence, motivation, and academic orientation–Academic rigor for competitive college admissions–Potential college credit w/ AP Exam
Benefits of the AP Program
For Students AND Parents
Opportunity to earn college credit or advanced college placement while in high school:–Possible tuition $$$ savings–More flexibility in college course choices–Possible early entry to graduate/professional schools
What does the research say about college-bound students who take AP
? Students who participate in AP :•outperform their peers when placed into advanced courses in college;•are more likely to take advanced courses in their AP subject areas in college;•are more likely to choose challenging majors;•are more likely to graduate with a double major;•are twice as likely to go into advanced study.
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.
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No APOne APTwo+ AP
What Counts in College Admissions ?
NACAC Survey College Admissions Officials
What Counts in College Admissions?
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Work/SchoolActivities
Application Essay
Overall Grades /GPA
Class Rank
SAT Scores
Academic Rigor ofCourses
% Citing Factor as "Considerably Important"
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Is AP the right choice for me?
Students who are successful in AP courses tend to exhibit the following academic competencies in the classroom:
High interest in learning the subject (not just high grades)
Strong communication skills (reading, writing & speaking)Ability to process & understand new information quicklyA positive attitude about challenging academic workAbility to prioritize tasks & manage time effectively
Is AP the right choice for me?
Students & parents should evaluatereadiness by looking at academic performance, not just academic ability.
Is AP the right choice for me?
AP Courses are designed withthe highly motivated,high-achieving student in mind.
Successful AP students tend to be…
MOTIVATED: Inspired to achieve at high levels in college level coursework
DISCIPLINED: Consistently dedicates time needed to prepare for class.
DETERMINED: Is not easily frustrated by challenging academic material.
INTERESTED: Enjoys learning & active involvement in the classroom
Am I ready to take an AP course ?
AP courses are very challenging, andpotentially overwhelming to high schoolstudents.
Student academic preparedness is the MOST
IMPORTANT factor to consider in the decision
to take an AP course.
Am I ready to take an AP course ?
Forsyth County Schools has anOPEN ACCESS policy for AP courses.
OPEN ACCESS means any student meeting course pre-requisites may choose to sign up for an AP course.
Am I ready to take an AP course ?
Find out everything you can about the course.
Talk to the teacher(s) of the AP
course being considered. Get a feel for the course expectations, time commitment, amount of homework, etc.
How many AP courses should a student take?Students & parents should make this
decision after considering ALL of the following:
Past & current academic performanceStudent academic readinessStudent interest & motivationAvailable time & competing interests, including: Home, church, extracurricular activities, job, community, social calendar…
How many AP courses should a student take?It is NOT recommended that students &
parents attempt to fill a student’s entire academic schedule with AP courses —particularly in 9th & 10th grades.
Most students are not ready for multiple AP courses — and should be introduced gradually to the rigors & challenges of college-level coursework.
How many AP courses should a student take?Students & parents must consider all of the
demands on a student’s time when making this decision
Academic schedule (7 period day)Home, church & communityWorkExtra-curricular clubs, activites & sports.
Most students are not ready for multiple AP courses early in their high school careers— especially if they are involved in activities that demand a lot of their time outside of the school day.
9th Grade Average # AP Courses Recommended Per Year:
0*
*AP Human Geography, if a student shows superior academic readiness (grades, attendance, behavior, teacher recommendation, standardized test scores), high motivation, and available time.
Your AP Contact:
Dr. Olga GlymphNorth Forsyth High School, AP Coordinator
770-781-6637 x 160233
