AP: FAQ
Why should a STUDENT PARTICIPATE in Advanced Placement courses at Westerville Central High School?
Students should participate in Advanced Placement courses for a variety of reasons including: to learn complex course content and academic skills that will be used in future post-secondary education endeavors; to improve upon existing analytical, reading, and writing skills; and to explore and expand intellectual curiosity and opportunity. Students should not sign up merely because they believe it is a requirement for college admission.
What is the difference between an Honors Course and an Advanced Placement course?
Advanced Placement course curricula are created by college professors and qualified teachers with the purpose of preparing students for post-secondary education. Unlike an Honors course where the academic curriculum expands on a high school level curriculum designed specifically for high school students, Advanced Placement courses utilize a college level curriculum in a high school setting. AP courses are high-paced, in-depth classes that push students to explore their full academic potential and to demonstrate strong study habits. Students will be exposed to challenging daily assignments, projects, readings, writing assignments, and tests. This type of work calls for consistent work ethic, dedication, expression of ideas, academic focus, high level thinking, academic integrity and thoughtful discussion.
How do I enroll in an Advanced Placement course?
Students wishing to enroll in Advanced Placement courses must complete the Advanced Placement Commitment and Recommendation Rubric forms. Parent consent is required on the commitment form. For the Recommendation Rubric, the student must calculate and record their score on the form. In cases where a Recommendation Rubric score falls under the “suggested with consultation” or “not suggested” categories, students are required to consult with their course instructor(s) and receive a consultation verification signature (See AP contact list for instructor information). Students are only required to complete one recommendation rubric regardless of the number of desired AP Courses. After fully completing the forms, the student should submit them to their guidance counselor. Students will be notified by their guidance counselor upon course(s) enrollment. After receiving course registration confirmation, the student will be notified (announcement, teacher letter, etc) as to whether the course(s) require a summer project. It is the responsibility of the student to acquire and complete any summer project required by the instructor. Students should be aware of academic consequences for failing to complete summer projects.
How many Advanced Placement courses should a student take?
The College Board suggests that a student take no more than two Advanced Placement courses a year. For highly motivated students, enrolling in three or more courses is an option, but those students should be aware of the increased work load and the effect of this work load on employment and extracurricular activities.
How do I know if I am ready for Advanced Placement?
The AP Recommendation Rubric that will help parents and students answer this question. Once students have completed the rubric, their score will fall under one of three categories, “suggested enrollment, suggested with consultation, or not recommended.”
When are the Advanced Placement Exams? How much do they cost?
Students are strongly encouraged to take their course AP exam. The exam will take place in May. The College Board makes every effort to spread out the exams, but in some cases a student may have multiple AP exams on one day. In order to take an Advanced Placement exam, students will need to pay $82 per exam.
Where can I find more information about the Advanced Placement program?
For more information on Advanced Placement courses and the philosophy of the College Board, click on the College Board link to the left. This site contains useful informational sections for both students and parents. For more information about individual classes, click on the Course Listing link and select the appropriate course.