A. P. Human Geography What Can I Expect This Year?

REMEMBER! This is a college level course and your a freshman in high school.

It is possible that: it will take time for you to adjust to the routine of both high school and AP. your grades in AP may be lower than in the past. your may have to do more homework and be more organized than was necessary in the past.

Test scores will generally be lower than you would like to see.

Don't Be Discouraged! This is what is meant by a “rigorous” curriculum. Be patient. You will adjust and improve as time goes on.

Course Grade v. Exam Score Students receive a grade every 6 weeks as they do in any other class. This grade is based on homework assignments, quizzes, tests and class participation.

However The A.P. Grade is weighted so that: “A” is weighted as 6 instead of 4 points “B” is 5 instead of 3 points and “C” is 4 instead of 2 points

Exam Score This is the score students receive on the AP exam they will take on May This will be a 1, 2, 3, 4, or a 5 5 – extremely well qualified 4 – well qualified 3 – qualified 2 - possibly qualified 1 – no recommendation

What does it mean? If you score a “3” or higher, many colleges and universities will award college credit. This will save you money in tuition fees and time spent in getting your degree. Some students are able to take care of their first year of college through AP classes in high school.

What does it mean? Starting early not only gives you time to earn those credits but helps you establish the skills and habits needed to succeed in a rigorous curriculum. *college is hard* Criteria for awarding credit depends on the college or university. Students are encouraged to consider a school's policy with regard to AP credit when looking at colleges or universities.

And: The State of Texas makes it even more attractive by helping you pay the $89 fee to take the exam. *average cost to students is $15-25*

HOMEWORK You can expect homework every week night and some on the weekends. Homework consists of reading and taking notes from the textbook, watching supplemental video clips, projects, online assignments and some writing.

What you can do to Suceed: Keep up with dead-lines. These are posted on the calendar and on each assignment. Talk to teacher/peers about topics being learned in class if you need help. Watch a nightly news program, read news websites and follow major news stories.

Our Textbook The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography, 9 th edition James M. Rubenstein, PhD

Our Review Text This serves as a supplement throughout the year to the textbook. It is our main text during the weeks of review prior to the exam.

What to Expect on Exam Day Date: Tuesday, May 2015 Time: Noon Place: Teaching Theatre Students around the country will be taking the exam on the same day.

What Is On the Exam The exam lasts approximately three hours. The first half (60 minutes) consists of 75 multiple choice questions and makes up 50% of the final score. The second half consists of three free response questions (essays), lasts 75 minutes and makes up the other half of the score.

What to Expect on Exam Day The exam is proctored by other AP Teachers from PHS PISD students will be taking the exam The exam lasts three hours. No one will be excused early. Students must bring a picture id, pencils, pens and are encouraged to bring a watch, a jacket and a snack. NO CELL PHONES, ETC. ALLOWED!

What to Expect on Exam Day Students are expected to stay home the morning of the exam and arrive at school around 11:30 a.m. Students will need to arrange a ride home that afternoon since the exam will end after 3 p.m. While it is possible to take the exam on an alternate date, it is much better to make plans now for your child to be in town and ready to take the exam on May 13.

Exam Scores The multiple choice section is machine scored. The essays are scored in early June by high school AP Human Geography teachers and college professors of Human Geography. They assemble for approximately one week in Cincinnati, Ohio to read and score the FRQ's (Free Response Questions). The final exam scores are posted online in early July.

If a Score Is Lower Than a While we try our best to assure that every student earns a 3 or higher, not every student does. You need to remember that you have still gained some valuable skills and experience that will help you throughout high school and college. Many students go on to take other AP courses, earn the weighted points and often go on to pass future exams.

Extra Help is Available After school tutoring will be offered every Tuesday/ Wednesday immediately after school by Ms. Parker till 3:30. There will be an opportunity to take a practice exam in the spring one Wednesday after school. Date TBA.

Extra Help is Available After Spring Break, we will be offering extra review sessions in preparation for the exam.

Parents Play a Critical Role Be your child's best cheer leader! Encourage them when they are feeling down. Help them understand that perseverance over the long run will be rewarded. Check Progress Book regularly for updates and deadlines. You can get your password from Student Services. your child's teacher any time you have a question or concern.

# 1 Reason for Failure Make sure your come to school. Students who miss a lot of school do not do well on AP exams. QUESTIONS?