AP Course Description

Advanced Placement Courses

About Advanced Placement AP® 

AP® enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Through more than 30 courses, each culminating in a rigorous exam, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced placement. Taking AP courses also demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought out the most rigorous course work available to them. 

Each AP course is modeled upon a comparable college course, and college and university faculty play a vital role in ensuring that AP courses align with college-level standards. Talented and dedicated AP teachers help AP students in classrooms around the world develop and apply the content knowledge and skills they will need later in college. 

Each AP course concludes with a college-level assessment developed and scored by college and university faculty as well as experienced AP teachers. AP Exams are an essential part of the AP experience, enabling students to demonstrate their mastery of college-level course work. More than 90 percent of four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant students credit, placement, or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores. Universities in more than 60 countries recognize AP Exam scores in the admission process and/or award credit and placement for qualifying scores. Visit http://www.collegeboard.org/ap/creditpolicy to view AP credit and placement policies at more than 1,000 colleges and universities.

Performing well on an AP Exam means more than just the successful completion of a course; it is a gateway to success in college. Research consistently shows that students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher graduation rates than otherwise comparable non-AP peers.* Additional AP studies are available at http://www.collegeboard.org/research.

Academic Preparation 

You don't need to be top of your class to be an AP student, but you'll want to be prepared for the AP course you choose. Some AP classes have recommended courses you should take first, and all AP courses ask that you come willing to do your best work. To choose an AP course that's right for you, talk to a counselor or teacher about the subjects that interest you and ask about your options for learning the skills to help you succeed. 

Motivation 

You show your determination when you do the things that matter to you. Think about when you've learned or accomplished something you're really passionate about. You practice until you get it right. You try harder when it's not easy the first time. The effort pays off and you feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you see how much you can do when you try. That is the kind of commitment that is sought out and rewarded in AP classes, and will help you succeed when you move beyond high school.