Top 7 Reasons to Take an AP Course: Why AP? Top 7 Reasons to Take an AP Course:

College Admissions Universities and Colleges look for well rounded applicants who demonstrate drive, passion, and academic excellence. AP Course work is an excellent way to highlight those subjects in which a student excels. 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions. *AP College Board Data

College Admissions “When we review transcripts and see an AP course … we know that students have challenged themselves. We know that they are really pushing the envelope of their own intellectual curiosity. … We love that spirit.” John Barnhill, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Florida State University

— Mrs. Gopie, AP Bio Teacher 2. College Level skills AP courses are modeled after college level courses. For instance, AP Language and Composition models Comp I while AP Literature models Comp II. The rigor helps to develop study skills, time management, and critical thinking skills in an atmosphere that is much more guided than a typical college course. “I expect a lot from my students. I expect them to work hard. Because that is the expectation that the world has for them. And I love that about the program. Students are able to achieve things that they didn't even know they could do.” — Mrs. Gopie, AP Bio Teacher

That equals about a $100-$800 savings per college class. 3. College Savings An AP test costs $100 for the first test and $75 for any subsequent tests in a school year. A typical college course costs between $200 and $300 per credit hour. That equals about a $100-$800 savings per college class.

4. Skip Introductory Classes With AP credits, you have the ability to earn credit for the introductory classes that have to be taken before delving into the subject you really enjoy. Owasso students have 20 AP classes to choose from. Our average AP student earns approximately 12-18 college credit hours before graduating. That’s an entire semester's worth of credit/savings equaling anywhere from $2400-$4860 depending on the college.

5. Higher 1st Year College GPA AP credit recipients record substantially higher first-year grade point average (GPA). 2016: The average first year GPA of non-AP students? 2.406 The average first year GPA of AP students? 3.143*AP College Board Data

6. Greater success in class completion Average course completion rates for AP credit recipients are substantially higher. 2016: The average first year course completion rate of non-AP students? 82.8% The average first year course completion rate of AP students? 94.8% *AP College Board Data

7. Higher Graduation Rate Average graduation rates for AP credit recipients are substantially higher. 2013: The average 4 year college graduation rate of non-AP students? 32% The average 4 year college graduation rate of AP students? 54% *AP College Board Data