Why Advanced Placement?

1. Why Advanced Placement? Jenn Fieldman, Counselor Kirsten Mulligan, Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Quest English Michael Heath, Science Dpt. Chair

2. Verification Forms Have Been Mailed!

3. Student Options: • Students have the option of choosing on-level, pre-AP, AP and Dual-Credit courses throughout their high school career. • It is important to make choices based on the student’s strengths, interests and goals.

4. Pre-AP & AP Classes are Open to Everyone To be successful, you need…. • Commitment • Curiosity • Determination • Good Work Ethic • Time Management

5. Students Have Many Choices • VHS offers multiple pre-AP and AP courses in Science, Social Studies, Math, Languages, English & the Arts • It’s important to remember that when moving up to a high school pre-AP or AP class there will be a period of transition --getting used to the additional work load and expectations of the course

6. Advantages of Pre-AP Courses • More rigorous course work • Helps to prepare the student for future AP classes • GPA bump (see Course Catalog, p. 12 for more information) • Opportunity for personal challenge & growth • UIL waivers (one per semester) • Opportunity for college credit (offset the cost of college) – • http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp

7. Advantages of AP Courses • College curriculum • Research indicates that students who have participated in AP have more success in college & higher graduation rates • GPA bump (see Course Catalog, p. 12 for more information) • Opportunity for personal challenge & growth • AP teachers have specialized training • UIL waivers • Opportunity for college credit (offset the cost of college) – • http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp

8. Advanced Placement Exams • AP exams are taken the first two weeks of May • $92 @ test • Registration occurs in late January/February • Financial assistance available • Passing scores offer college credit

9. VHS AP Performance

10. 2012 AP Exams given in LISD 30 different subjects: Macroeconomics Microeconomics Music Theory Physics B Physics C – Mechanics Physics C – E & M Psychology Spanish Language Spanish Literature Statistics Studio Art – Drawing Studio Art – 2D Studio Art – 3D US History World History Art History Biology Calculus AB Calculus BC Chemistry Chinese Computer Science A English Language English Literature Environmental Science European History French Language German Language Government & Politics – US Latin - Vergil

11. CollegeAdmissions What are universities looking for?(National Forum – College Board, October 2012) • Participation in Advanced coursework (IB, AP, Pre-AP, dual enrollment, etc.) • Grades in advanced coursework • School profile • Grades in all classes • Demonstrated student interests in a few areas (hobbies & activities)

12. College Admissions What are universities looking for?(National Forum – College Board, October 2012) • Genuine interest in that university • Importance of class rank has declined in the last two decades • 1993 – 42% of universities rated it as highly important • 2012 – 22% of universities rated it as highly important • Counselor and teacher recommendations • Student essay • Student who is able to overcome personal and academic difficulties

13. Summer Assignments • Information on summer assignments is located on LISD’s webpage under Quick Links: Summer Information • http://vhs/

14. Ms. Mulligan • Summer Reading is assignments • Difference between On-level and Pre-AP assignments • The challenge • The journey to the AP Test…

15. Questions?