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Advanced Courses and the�Advanced Placement Program®

Pulaski High School

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Welcome

Pulaski High School is committed to every student’s success.

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We believe access to rigorous coursework such as Advanced Placement® (AP®) plays an important role in that success.

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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 reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses
  • Students take AP Exams at the end of the course, measuring their mastery of college-level work
    • A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam can typically earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college

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AP®: The Benefits

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AP® from the College Admissions Perspective

  • Students learn rigorous college-level content and skills
  • Taking AP is valued in the college admission process
  • AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences
  • At PHS, AP classes are weighted in a student’s GPA when they take the AP exam
  • Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college
    • AP students are more likely to complete a college degree on time (saves money).

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  • *Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc., March 2007

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AP®: Skills & Advantages that Last a Lifetime

  • Taking an AP course helps students build:
    • critical thinking skills
    • confidence
    • essential time management
    • study skills needed for college success
  • Nationally, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers*

*2009, The College Board, “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes"

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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® Exams - What are they like?

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AP® Exams

AP Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in May each year.

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  • 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

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AP® Exam Fees

  • The exam fee for 2025 is $99 per exam.

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  • Assistance is available for eligible students with financial need:
    • The College Board offers a $30 fee reduction per exam for eligible students with financial need.
    • In Wisconsin, there is no exam fee for students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch.

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Credit and Placement Opportunities

Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP® credit and placement. The College Board offers information about AP credit at thousands of college and universities at www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy.

  • Search by school name or alphabetically
  • Data for each school includes a direct link to that school’s Web page detailing AP credit and placement policies
  • A statement from the college or university about its AP policy

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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 workload.

I don't think I will score high enough on the AP exam to get college credit.

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.

I can’t take AP because no one has recommended me.

AP Courses at PHS do not require a teacher recommendation. However, there may be prerequisite classes. Be sure to consult the course description book.

Taking AP courses could hurt my GPA.

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AP courses are grade indexed at PHS. Also, taking AP courses shows colleges that you’re willing to challenge yourself academically.

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Grade Indexing

  • What is it?
      • A fixed amount added to the cumulative grade point average of students who take certain advanced courses
  • How does it work?
    • By adding .025 to the student’s cumulative GPA for each semester a student is enrolled in an identified class. Student must take the AP exam to earn the GPA boost.

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Next Steps: Help Your Child�Make the Best Choices

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AP®: Start the Conversation

What AP course is right for me?

Before you talk to a teacher or counselor, think about what interests you:

  • Which courses do you enjoy most in school? In which subjects do you excel?
  • What college majors are you considering? What careers excite you?

�Ask your counselor or teacher the following questions:

  • In which AP courses at our school am I likely to do well?
  • Are there prerequisites to consider?

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AP Courses Offered at PHS:

  • European History
  • United States History
  • Psychology
  • Human Geography
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Calculus AB
  • Calculus BC
  • Government & Politics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Physics 1
  • Physics 2
  • Music Theory
  • Art History
  • French Language and Culture

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Other Advanced Offerings at PHS:

  • Project Lead the Way Courses:
    • Introduction to Engineering
    • Computer Science Principles
    • Principles of Engineering
    • Civil Engineering and Architecture
    • Engineering Design & Development
  • St. Norbert College Credit English
  • St. Norbert College Credit Calculus 1
  • St. Norbert College Credit Calculus 2
  • UWGB Spanish
  • NWTC Transcribed courses

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Project Lead the Way

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  • Indexed Courses
    • Introduction to Engineering
    • Computer Science Principles
    • Principles of Engineering
    • Civil Engineering and Architecture
    • Engineering Design & Development
  • Students meeting the proper requirements upon completion of these courses may be eligible for transcribed credit through PLTW affiliated universities.

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SNC/UWGB College Credit Courses

  • SNC College Credit Calculus

4 college credits

  • SNC College Credit English

8 college credits, two courses (Composition & Literature)

  • UWGB Spanish

3 UWGB credits for the class

“B” or better=additional 11 retro college credits

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SNC/UWGB College Credit Courses

  • There may be some tuition costs involved
  • Books are provided.
  • PHS/SNC courses are grade indexed.
  • Upon successful completion, student has an SNC or UWGB transcript with four or eight college credits

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Questions? and Answers

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AP®: Resources Worth Exploring for Students and Families