The Good News and the Bad News About AP Programs

The good news
With all the attention that AP classes have been getting in recent years, it only makes sense that the program as a whole would come under scrutiny. Scrutiny isn't necessarily a bad thing, since the primary purpose of it in this case is to ensure continuing quality in AP courses and exams so that all students are adequately served in their preparation for college, regardless of what high school they attend.

Maintaining program integrity
AP courses and exams are designed by a committee made up of college faculty and Master AP teachers. Their purpose is to make sure that course curriculums cover the skills and topics that are found in similar college-level courses and that AP exams measure these areas adequately. The College Board wants to make sure that the high quality of all AP offerings continues.

Auditing for quality
With continued program quality in mind, the College Board has implemented an annual auditing process known appropriately as the AP Course Audit. In a nutshell, this process will "certify" schools as designated AP providers by assessing the quality of each school's program. For each course that a school wishes to designate as an AP course, the educator must submit a course syllabus and an official audit form.

Within two months of its submission, a school will be informed of the College Board's decision and will receive a legal agreement authorizing it to be designated as an official AP school. An online registry that lists all courses authorized to use the AP label is published annually and then updated throughout the year to reflect newly authorized courses.

Upping the numbers
In conjunction with the federal government, the College Board initiated an incentive program to help schools increase student participation in AP programs. Although numbers and performance levels have been steadily increasing, there is a desire to see 1.5 million students participating by 2012.

This new program also aims to boost minority participation in AP classes and exams. In spite of larger overall numbers of AP students, African American and Native American students are not participating to the same degree as others. Legislation will encourage the creation of programs that will ensure that students of all races and backgrounds are adequately prepared for AP programs. This objective will most likely be attained by expanding access to AP courses, with many districts likely adding more courses and in some cases, even covering the cost of exams.

The bad news
Some schools have started upping their requirements for awarding college credit to students who receive high grades on AP exams. What this means for individual schools may vary, but the controversy has already started to boil. Some argue that schools are making the process harder in order to save money — which could make sense if a student is able to shave a semester or two off their college education (to the tune of several thousand dollars).

However, schools argue that the purpose of making it harder to earn college credits for AP work is simply to help ensure student success in college. Research has consistently proven that students who score a 3 or higher on their AP exams consistently do well in college, but some schools are now requiring 4s and 5s.

Whatever their reasoning, standards for awarding credit are decided by individual schools, not the College Board. If you want to know what to expect from the college you hope to attend, you should contact them directly to find out what their expectations are for AP students. (This information is often available on college Web sites.)

Increase your chances of earning credit
Once you find out what you're up against, give yourself time to prepare adequately and make adjustments for any courses or study time that may be necessary to help you earn a better score. While it may be getting harder to earn credit at some schools, your fate is still in your hands. The best way to increase your chances of doing well is to be prepared!

The Popularity of AP Classes is on the rise

They say getting into college is more competitive than ever and that claim certainly seems to be backed up by the record numbers of high school students taking — and passing — AP exams.

With 37 courses in 22 subject areas to choose from, high schools offering AP classes host an average of eight AP courses, the most popular of which are U.S. History, English, and Calculus. And while many students are signing up for them, others are simply studying for and taking the tests. (That's right! You don't have to take the class to take the test!) It's all part of their grand plan to get into the best college they can.

Is it part of yours?

Opens doors
Having AP courses on your high school transcript can help impress an admission officer, particularly at the more elite schools (assuming you pass the classes, of course!). Doing well in these courses demonstrates several things, not the least of which is your dedication to hard work and your ability to complete college-level work — which is exactly what colleges want to see!

Saves time and money
AP classes obviously require you to spend more time studying and you'll need to pay a fee for every test that you take. However, in the long run, the effort may pay off. You most likely can earn college credits for these courses, which may shave some time off the number of years it takes to earn your degree.

It could also save you some bucks on your overall tuition, since it's a good bet that most college courses cost more than the fee for an AP exam.

Jump ahead
AP exams are scored on a 1 to 5 scale and a 3 or above will get you a passing grade. With a high enough score, many schools will award you college credit (qualifying scores generally range from 3 to 5, depending on the school).

One of the great things about starting college with some credits in your back pocket is that it may allow you to register for higher-level courses right off the bat. You might be able to bypass some required core courses early on and jump ahead in your education. In addition, some schools organize course registration by the number of credits you have, so you could get first dibs when it's time to register. Perhaps you'll even be able to graduate a bit early!

Other benefits
College is an entirely different world from high school, particularly if you're living away from home for the first time. You'll have to figure out how to study effectively and balance your courses with the active social life that many colleges offer. You'll probably be on your own and will need to make responsible decisions about your activities and how you'll schedule (and finish) your studying and class assignments.

By taking AP courses in high school, you can get an early start on mastering the skills of time management. You'll also learn a bit about the types of effective study habits that are crucial to college success. Plus, you can hone your writing and problem-solving skills early on!

No need to overdo it
AP courses have become so popular that some students feel pressure from everyone around them to take as many as they can fit into their class schedule. If you're a distant relative of Einstein, maybe that's the type of course load you need, but for most students, a full load of AP classes isn't necessary.

You need to make time for other activities, such as sports and clubs — and a life. Remember that colleges like to see well-rounded students and that means a variety of experiences. It may be that you and the adults in your life are expecting you to act like an adult, but you still have a little time left to enjoy being a "kid." Try to keep some spare time for yourself, your friends, and your family. You'll be healthier and happier if you do!

Article complements of Peterson's. Learn more tips about testing college entrance exams and take a free practice tests by clicking here.