AP & HC Presented by: John Bruesch

The Difference Between AP & Honors Honors classes typically occur in 9 th and 10 th grades AP Classes (except AP European History) all exist in the 11 th and 12 th grades Honors & AP classes are all weighted in their GPA meaning: A=6; B=5; C=4; D=2; F=1

When should I take an Honors or AP class? Students should take these classes when THEY are ready When the student has a passion in a particular area When the student shows the maturity to handle a more self-directed study environment When the student has the time management skills to fulfill the requirements of the class(es)

Why Take an AP Class? 1. Impress College Admission Counselors At nearly every college in the country, your academic record is the most important part of your college application. The folks in the admissions office want to see that you've taken the most challenging courses available to you. Success in difficult courses is the surest sign of your preparedness for college. 2. Develop College-Level Academic Skills AP classes require the type of high-level calculating and critical thinking that you'll encounter in your first year of college. If you can write essays and solve problems successfully for an AP class, you've mastered many of the skills that will lead to success in college. 3. Save Money If you take enough Advanced Placement classes, you can potentially graduate from college a semester or even a year early. Early graduation isn't always a good idea, but for a student who isn't receiving financial aid, it can save tens of thousands of dollars. AP students are more likely to graduate from college in four years - students who take longer to graduate at public colleges and universities can spend up to $19,000 for each additional year. AP helps students qualify for scholarships - 31 percent of colleges and universities look at AP experience when determining scholarships.

Why Take an AP Class? 4. Choose a Major Sooner AP classes can help with your selection of a major in two ways. First, each course provides an in-depth introduction to a specific subject area. Second, a high score on an AP exam often fulfills one of a college's general education requirements. This means you'll have more room in your schedule to explore different academic fields early in your undergraduate career. 5. Take More Elective Classes in College Not only do AP classes help you zero in on a major sooner, but they also free up your schedule so you can take more elective classes (college classes that are not required for graduation). For many students, a college's general education requirements and major requirements leave little room for fun and exploratory classes. 6. Add a Minor or Second Major More Easily If you're particularly driven and have multiple interests, AP credits can make it more feasible to add a minor (or two) or even a second major to your undergraduate academic plan. With a standard work load and no AP credits, you might find it impossible to complete the requirements for two majors in four years. 7. Classroom Environment Study with students who have a passion or shared interest in the subject area, and want to learn at a high level. Students will push each other to understand content at deeper levels.

Top 50 Matric-Quick Facts  100% of the top 50 universities to which Hinsdale Central students matriculate accept Advanced Placement Credit.  98% of the top 50 universities to which Hinsdale Central students matriculate accept Advanced Placement courses for acceleration towards a degree and/or level acceleration.  48% of the top 50 universities to which Hinsdale Central students matriculate accept Advanced Placement Credit for some sort of tangible credit in EVERY AP course offered at Central.  46% of the top 50 universities to which Hinsdale Central students matriculate accept Advanced Placement Credit for some sort of tangible credit in MOST AP courses offered at Central. 4% of the top 50 universities to which Hinsdale Central students matriculate accept Advanced Placement Credit for some sort of tangible credit in SOME AP courses offered at Central.

Detailed AP Interpretations  Most schools offer credit for specific courses listed in the far right column.  When a school does not list a specific course on the far right, but offers credit, the course is accepted for elective credit.  At nearly every college, students may appeal and work with the specific department to pursue credit or advancement for AP coursework and exams.  Courses listed with an (*), in most instances, are given elective credit, but may be given more credit based on appeal within the given department. In addition, credit or advancement may be granted dependent on the student’s major/minor selections.

Takeaways Honors and AP classes may never be the right place for a child, and that does not preclude them from many-many wonderful options These are not the sole determinants of acceptance into very-highly selective universities Growth, maturity, and readiness are what matter, and will help a child on their path to college It is not a race!