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An Introduction to the �Advanced PlacementProgram^®

Shrewsbury High School

Angie Flynn, Co-AP Coordinator

Maureen Monopoli, Assistant Principal for Curriculum

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What We'll Cover

What are Advanced Placement® Courses?
The Benefits
AP® Exams
What Is It Like to Take AP?
Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices
Q & A

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What Are Advanced Placement^® Courses?

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Advanced Placement^®: The Basics

AP® courses are college-level courses offered in high school
Courses = Introductory college courses
Students take AP Exams at the end of the course => It is expected that all students take the exam
A score of 3 or higher (Placement, College Credit)

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Our AP^® Courses

Arts: Music Theory, Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio
English: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition
History and Social Sciences: Human Geography, Psychology, US History, & Comparative Government
Mathematics and Computer Science: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics 1, Physics C
World languages: Chinese, French & Spanish Language and Culture, Latin
VHS offerings: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Government and Politics, Computer Science Principles

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AP Requirements

Most courses require prerequisites
Summer work is required and due the first day of school.
Students are expected to remain in the course all year.

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AP^® at Shrewsbury High School

	# of Students	# of Exams	3 or above
2024	445	975	89%
2023	436	916	85%
2022	448	976	88%
2021	400	865	84%

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AP®: The Benefits

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AP^®: The Benefits

Students learn rigorous college-level content and study skills
Builds critical thinking, confidence, essential time management skills
AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences
Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college

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AP^® Expands Students’ Options

When students earn college credit through AP Exams, their options and opportunities expand:

Move to upper-level college courses sooner
Pursue a double major
Gain time to study and travel abroad

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AP^®: A More Engaging Learning Experience

AP courses challenge students to work and participate at a higher level:

Opportunities to explore topics in depth
More time in and out of the classroom required to complete assignments and projects
High expectations for critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evidence, multiple perspectives, and clear written and verbal communications
We value our teacher recommendations for AP courses

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AP® Exams

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AP^® Exams

AP Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in the first two weeks of May each year.

Exams are typically 2–3 hours and include:

Multiple-choice questions
Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, ��document-based questions and oral response
Most exams are digital and will be taken on the school issued iPad.

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AP^® Exam Fees

The exam fee for 2024-2025 is $115 per exam.

Assistance is available for eligible students with financial need on Free/Reduced Lunch (Please speak with student’s school counselor)

Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP^® credit and placement. Information provided at www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy.

Potential to save on college costs
We expect students who enroll in AP courses to take the AP exam.

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What is it like to take AP^®?

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AP^® Myths & Realities

Myth	Reality
AP courses are for students who always get good grades.	AP courses are for any students who are academically prepared and motivated to take college-level courses.
AP courses are too stressful.	It's no secret that AP courses are challenging. But the support you receive from your classmates and teachers can help you manage the work load.
I don't think I will do well on the AP Exam.	You don’t need to score a 5. Many colleges grant credit — and placement as well — based on a 3 or higher on an AP Exam. Your tests help inform future teaching, also.
I can’t afford to take an AP class.	There is help if you need financial assistance.
I can’t take AP because no one has recommended me.	If you think you’re ready to take an AP course, then you’re ready to advocate for yourself — just talk to a teacher or counselor.

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AP Self-Study

We do not recommend student self-study
No guarantee that students can take the exam
No grade 9 or 10 students

From Cornell:

“…students benefit from 1-3 AP courses and exams. Many can do well with up to 6. Beyond 6, the time they spend on AP might be limiting their exposure to other valuable experiences…”

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Parents: What Can You Do?

Be realistic about grading, workload, and demand in schedule

Take into consideration teacher recommendation

Encourage your student to pursue AP courses that interest them

Support and encourage your student throughout the year

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Students…In Their Own Words

“Just don’t take it for college, GPA, or prestige. Take them because you enjoy the subject. These are tough classes. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself asking, “Why??!!.”
“The workload does get easier to manage as the year goes on. Don’t expect A’s and B’s right away – the grades will come when you figure out how the class works and how you will need to prepare.”
“The true challenge is the speed at which you are expected to process the information.”
“This has been the best academic experience I ever had.”

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Next Steps: Help Your Student�Make the Best Choices

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AP^®: Start the Conversation

Here are some questions to engage your student to think about:�

What AP course is right for me?

Which courses do you enjoy most in school? In which subjects do you excel?
How do you look to balance your academic and co-curricular schedule?

�What steps do I need to take?

Speak with a student who has taken an AP course.
Become familiar with resources (Study group, discussion with teacher)
Check College Board website for specific course information
Talk with Counselor about balancing schedule

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Questions and Answers