What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
"Advanced Placement" (AP) is a program of college-level courses offered at all JUSD comprehensive high schools. Courses are available in many subject areas, including English, history, humanities, languages, math, psychology and science. The focus is not on memorizing facts and figures. It's on engaging discussions, approaching and solving problems together and learning to write well.
What are the benefits of taking AP courses?
AP courses can help you gain the skills and study habits you'll need to be successful in college. You'll improve your writing, problem-solving, time-management skills, and learn how to stay focused on your work and goals. AP courses can also help you get accepted into college. It's less about taking the easy classes and earning an "A" than it is about showing colleges that you're willing to take a challenging class. This makes you stand out in the admission process. It also shows that you are taking the initiative to prepare yourself for college-level work.
How do I earn college credit?
AP classes don't just earn you high school credit. You may also earn college credit if you take an AP exam at the end of the course AND earn a score of at least three (3) on a scale of one (1) to five (5). Colleges and universities consider a score of three (3) an indicator of your ability to do successful college work.
Colleges may award credit or advanced standing. ("Advanced standing" means you don't have to take a lower-level course that may be required for entering students). Some colleges might even award BOTH! So what does this really mean? Simple: you'll be able to move into upper-level courses sooner. That saves you time and money. It also may allow you the time and money to get a double major or even study abroad.
You have to send your AP scores to each college for them to figure out what you are eligible to receive. Most four-year colleges in the United States, as well as colleges in more than 60 other countries, accept AP scores. Keep in mind that policies vary from college to college.
If you're having trouble finding information or understanding it, ask your guidance coordinator for help.
Where can I find more information about AP?
The College Board runs the Advanced Placement program. Learn more at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap
Be sure to check with your school counselor or guidance coordinator, who can provide all the information you need about AP courses at each high school.
