1. PHS AP

2. Today's Goals Overview of PHS AP Program
Running Start basic information
Help you make an informed decision about what is academically best for YOU
Introduce the Capstone program
Answer questions

3. What do Colleges look for? Do you FIT?
1. Strength of Transcript
2. ACT/SAT Scores
3. Community Service/Extra- curricular Activities
4. Student Entrance Essay
5. Letter of Recommendation

4. What do Colleges look for? Do you FIT?
6. Grade Point Average –
Universities use a GPA weight index to calculate the relative weight of your GPA.
They will add points to all AP classes to compute your GPA in relation to your strength of transcript.
In the university’s eyes, you could have a GPA higher than 4.0.

5. University Expectations
PRIVATE 4-YEAR COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
English years
Mathematics years
Science yrs
Social Studies years
World Language yrs consecutive study of the same world language.
Academic and Arts Electives years

6. University Expectations
HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
College Admission officers pay particular attention to the rigor of the student’s program.
English years
Mathematics years
Science yrs with laboratory courses

7. University Expectations
HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
Social Studies yrs
World Lang yrs consecutive study of the same world language.
Academic and Arts Electives yrs 

8. Why take AP?
Taking AP is valued in the competitive college admission process
AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences
Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college
85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions

9. Why take AP?

10. Why Take AP? College Success Rates
1 AP class (3+ score)=59%
2 AP classes (3+) =76%
5 AP classes (3+) =98%
RS/CC =21-40%
High School =29%

11. For Specific College Policies
Visit College Board at: collegesearch.collegeboard. com/apcreditpolicy

12. Puyallup AP Offerings English Lang English Lit
U.S. Government U.S. History
Psychology Statistics
Calculus A/B Biology
Chemistry Spanish
Physics 1 & 2 Studio Art
Japanese Computer Sci
Capstone-Seminar & Research World History

13. AP Capstone Diploma
Two courses (AP Capstone 1 (Seminar) and AP Capstone 2 (Research)) + 4 other AP classes (3 or better test score)
Synthesize information from multiple perspectives
Equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills.
Apply skills in cross-curricular contexts
Collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision
Craft, communicate, and defend evidence-based arguments
Practice disciplined and scholarly research skills while exploring relevant topics that appeal to your interests and curiosity.

14. AP Capstone

15. The AP Capstone Student
Intellectually curious
Has a growth mindset
Enjoys collaboration
Independent problem solver and thinker
Applications and Entrance Essay prompt (with rubric) will be available at registration

16. AP Costs AP exams $94.00 AP seminar $142.00
Fee reduction available based on financial need for students

17. Why take AP?
Taking AP is valued in the competitive college admission process
AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences
Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college
85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions

18. AP vs. Running Start
AP Credits transfer to most any university; CC credits may not. If graduate with AA, then have Direct Transfer Agreement with WA St 4 year schools.
Ivy league/Highly Selective Schools recommend
AP over RS.
AP classes are taught to a higher standard than CC classes and are full year. AP instructors teach you the skills required to be successful . University/CC instructors expect you to know the skills.
RS starts your college transcript immediately and cannot start over.
With RS, only contact is with student until quarter ends

19. AP vs. Running Start UW – $25,948 WSU – $27,249 WWU – $23,555
Both have costs and benefits!
UW – $25,948
WSU – $27,249
WWU – $23,555
CWU – $22,547
PLU – $54,800
UPS – $65,616
Pierce CC--$225/fees +textbooks($150+/class)
With Running Start you can earn up to 15 credits per quarter = 90 if attend for 2 years-Estimated/average cost is $1755/year

20. Other ways to earn college credit at PHS
College in the High School / Dual credit
Pre-Calculus
Med Terms
Anatomy & Physiology
ASL
*Can change from year to year

21. Questions Matt White Jaime Mercer MerceJL@puyallup.k12.wa.us
Jaime Mercer