1. Preparing for AP Classes
The correlation between AP courses, rigor and college success
Stacy Nolan, AP Teacher, Liberty HS
Introduce myself and goals for the presentation
explain AP and it’s benefits both in HS and college

2. 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.”
CCPS AP Philosophy Statement
AP teachers complete an audit with the College Board and AP students are encouraged to take the AP test. Depending on the college, earning a 3 or better out of 5 on the AP test qualifies your student for college credit
College level work with high school level support

3. AP Classes in Carroll County (2015)
Percentages represent the number of students scoring a 3 or higher on their AP test
Maryland students have the best AP ranking in the nation (2015)
68.4
South Carroll
64.8
Liberty
74.3
Century
71.2
AP Classes in Carroll County (2015)
Maryland and Carroll County’s AP environment and attitudes
Source: 10th Annual AP report to the nation, the last year this report was published. MD ranked #1 in the nation for percent of students passing an AP exam
Liberty score increase from last year. Unable to get SC or CHS
Also note, the number of students taking an AP class are increasing (resume)
State Average: 61.0
As of a 2014 National report, 1 in 5 HS graduates has passed an AP test in HS

4. How do you know if your student is ready?
Success in upper level courses or prerequisites
Teacher Recommendations
Preview study books to acclimate your student to course materials
Interest in the subject area
Willingness and time to dedicate to the class
Take a look at the AP Students page:
How do you know if your student is ready?
Interest in the subject. Willingness to work hard
College board webpage provides you with more information

5. Why AP in High School? General rigor and knowledge retention
College level work with benefits of more individualized supports
Study skills and time management acquisition
Why AP in High School?

6. Benefits for AP Students after High School
Saving money!
View the Credit Policy Database on AP Central to see how an AP score can become College Credits.
Enhancing the rigor on the high school transcript– what college admissions is looking for
Possibility to enter college with credits
Allows flexible scheduling
Better housing options
In some ways, taking the course matters more than the score on the AP test as exam scores do not affect admission, they only effect the college credit.
Taking the AP test shows initiative and follow through
Direct links to the college’s credit policy are available on the page.

7. Transcript Unique Class Rank GPA AP Courses
To get admitted into a school of choice, students must set themselves apart from the rest…
What helps?
College Admissions
Transcript
Unique
Class Rank
GPA
AP Courses

8. Carryover into College
College admissions counselors report that students who have taken AP classes say they are:
More confident in their first semester of college
More likely to be taking classes that interest them (skipping intro courses)
More likely to be involved in campus events
More likely to manage their time well
More confident
- Problem solving, writing, independent workers.
Some admissions counselors report that they are looking for high school students to take at least one AP class, regardless of how well they perform in it to show perseverance through a college level academic environment

9. Benefits for AP Students after High School
AP Honor Possibilities
AP Scholar: 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams
AP Scholar with Honor: 3.25 or higher on four or more AP exams
AP Scholar with Distinction: 3.5 or higher on five or more AP exams
National AP Scholar: 4 or higher on 8 AP exams
Benefits for AP Students after High School
Use for resumes, applications,

10. College Success Rates AP Research
AP Exam scores are positively related to college grades
AP students exempted from introductory courses perform as well or better in the subsequent course
Compared to non-AP students, AP students scoring 3 or higher have
higher retention rates
higher first year GPA
higher college graduation rates
College Success Rates
Current research still suggests that the % of students graduating college in 4 years increases with the number of AP course they have taken and passed. There is even a positive correlation seen in just taking the course.