College Night 2012 Ms. Stacy Nolan

CCPS AP Philosophy Statement “The advanced placement program offers college-level courses to students with the interest, skill, ability, dedication, and work ethic to prepare them for educational opportunities beyond high school.”

What’s in this Session?

Why?

Successful applicants typically present academic credentials which exceed the minimum, including: several honors and/or Advanced Placement (AP/IB) courses, and additional academic electives. Why?

What Does All This Mean?  To get admitted into a school of choice, students must set themselves apart from the rest…  What helps? “As colleges look to define rigor and it’s relationship and location in a high school education, the only Universal and National standard of comparison is AP courses”

A Word from the Pros on the Benefits of AP…  More well prepared  Higher College GPA  More Focused coursework  More schedule Flexibility  Improved Thinking/Learning Skills  Housing priority  Greater Confidence during 1 st semester  Students are more involved  Extra space for other courses  Highly developed reading skills

What Can I Expect from AP?

 A student that has achieved a B or better in prerequisite/subject matter courses  A student that is excited about taking a challenging course to increase their success during the freshman year of college  A student with the ability to analyze content, draw comparisons, and reason through problems  A student able to read perceptively and independently and write clear, concise essays  A student that has interest in the subject matter  A student that aims to earn AP credits toward college courses by taking the test What will the teachers expect?

 Academic Preparation (successful completion of pre-requisites/related subjects with a B or better)  Disciplined work habits  Organization  Time management skills  Prioritization of commitments  Motivation  Independent thinking  Parental support What makes a student successful in AP courses?

What supports are available for your AP Student?

What types of courses are offered? AP Courses BiologyFrenchPsychology Calculus ABGermanStatistics Calculus BCEnglish Language & Composition Studio Art ChemistryEnglish Literature & Composition Spanish (Lit & Lang) Computer Technology MacroeconomicsUS Government Environmental StudiesMusic TheoryUS History European HistoryPhysicsWorld History

Other Tidbits from our local Universities Admissions Staff:  Looking for AP courses in the senior year  Courses first then grades second  Major red flag = all honors and NO AP  Concurrent Enrollment helps credit count, but AP courses are better prep for the rigor of college  Exam scores do not affect admission-they only effect college credit  Taking the test shows initiative and follow through

 Focus on the learning, not on the grade  Do not allow them to overload their schedule with too many AP courses and/or other activities  Participate in college and AP planning with your child and their advisor, counselor, or teacher- look into what specific colleges want  Encourage preparation for AP courses early  Help him or her schedule time wisely  Encourage and require strong study skills  Set up a good study atmosphere  Help students gain access to study aides (review books) How can I assist my child with doing well in AP courses?

Statistics & Quotations provided by:  US Department of Education Survey  University of Maryland Website  US News & World Report Website  Stevenson Admissions counselor  McDaniel Admissions counselor