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Welcome To AP Information Night

Oak Ridge High School

February 3, 2025

A new presentation will be added in February, 2026

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Objectives:

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  • To provide a general overview of information regarding the Advanced Placement (AP) program.

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  • To provide an overview of the courses and prerequisites for AP offerings at ORHS.

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The Basics

AP Courses

AP Exams

  • Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses are college-level courses offered in high school. AP courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses.
  • The AP Exam is standardized and measures how well the student mastered the course work.
  • A student who does well on an AP Exam may earn college credit.

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AP Course vs. AP Exam

AP Courses

AP Exams

  • Earn a “Weighted Grade” - 5.0 scale
    • A = 5 points
    • B = 4 points
    • C = 3 points
    • D = 1 (no weight)
  • The grade is independent of the exam score.
  • Student will earn a grade both fall and spring (10 credits).
  • Exams are taken in May. Scores released in July.
  • Exam Scores: 1 - 5
    • 1 - No recommendation
    • 2 - Possibly qualified
    • 3 - Qualified
    • 4 - Well qualified
    • 5 - Extremely well qualified
  • Exam score can earn potential college credit at the university the student chooses to attend.

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The Benefits of AP Courses

  • Courses are challenging yet rewarding. Often the most fulfilling courses a student may take in high school.
  • Students learn the study habits and time management skills essential for success in college.
  • AP courses build student confidence.

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AP and College Admission

  • Colleges rank “Grades in college prep courses” and “Strength of curriculum” as the top two factors in the admission decision.*
  • “High schoolers who demonstrate they can do well while taking college-level coursework tend to stand out to admissions departments at the nation's top colleges.”**

* 2018 State of College Admission, NACAC

** March 2021, Best Colleges Publication

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“We look favorably on students who have taken AP courses. The presence of AP courses is a sign that a student has chosen to challenge him/herself.”

—Admission Officer

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AP Courses Currently Offered at ORHS

  • English Language & Composition, 11th
  • English Literature, 12th
  • World History, 10th
  • US History, 11th
  • U.S. Politics & Govt, 12th
  • Microeconomics, 12th
  • Psychology
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus AB
  • Calculus BC
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science A
  • Computer Science Princ
  • Studio Art
  • Spanish Language
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Physics C: Mech (alt. years)

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Expectations of an AP Course

  • Demand more of students
  • Fast-paced and cover more material
  • Require more time both inside and outside of the classroom
  • AP teachers expect their students to
    • think critically
    • analyze and synthesize facts and data
    • weigh competing perspectives
    • write clearly and persuasively

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The Benefits of AP Exams

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  • Stand out in the admissions process
    • Enhances a student’s application.
    • Provides colleges with additional information about the student’s ability to succeed in college-level study.
  • Earn Academic Scholarship Awards
    • Competitive scholarship awards consider AP exam scores.
  • Experience a University-Level Test
    • Provide a clearer understanding of what is needed to succeed at the College level
  • Earn College Credit
    • Potential college credit may be earned - depending on institution and test score.

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AP Credit Expands Students’ Options

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College credit earned through an AP Exam may allow a student to:

  • move into upper-division college courses sooner
  • pursue a double major
  • gain time to study and travel abroad

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AP Exams

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  • Are administered on predetermined dates each May.
  • Typically last around three hours (but can last longer).
  • Each AP Exam contains:
    • Multiple-choice questions
    • Free-response questions (essay, problem-solving, oral response).
  • Digital
    • Student must provide own testing device

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AP Exam Fee

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  • The exam fee for 2025 is $99 per exam

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  • Financial assistance can be granted for those who qualify through the free/reduced program.

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Typical Data for AP Courses

(2023-2024 @ ORHS)

Typical Data for AP Exams

(May, 2024 @ ORHS)

By the Numbers (last year’s data):

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  • 879 ORHS students took…
  • 2106 AP courses
  • 750 ORHS students took…
  • 1806 AP exams

Oak Ridge currently offers 19 AP subjects

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Should I take an AP Course?

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Student will:

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  • Meet course prerequisites:
    • eduhsd.k12.ca.us → District Publications → Course Directory 2024-2025
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the course.
  • Be responsible for mastering the material.
    • Self-advocacy is the bedrock for success in all AP courses.
  • Student will take AP Exam in May, 2026

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AP Studio Art

AP Spanish Language

AP Computer Science Princip

AP Computer Science A

AP Psychology

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Hear about the AP experience from �our AP students.

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Conclusion

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The Advanced Placement program at Oak Ridge High School offers students the following:

    • The opportunity to experience challenging curriculum.
    • The ability to earn college credit.
    • A wide-range of rigorous academic topics

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Thank You!

On behalf of the Advanced Placement program, thank you for attending this evening.

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ORHS Contact Information

  • Darsy Arburn, Counselor
    • darburn@eduhsd.net
  • LeeAnn Galbraith, Counselor
    • lgalbraith@eduhsd.net
  • Alison Lishman, Assistant Principal
    • alishman@eduhsd.net
  • Denise Soroka, AP Coordinator
    • Liaison with AP instructors

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