1. @ South Medford High School
AP and Dual Credit
@ South Medford High School

2. The Basics - AP
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses – college-level courses offered in high school
AP Exams – standardized exams that measure how well students have mastered college-level course work
Earning College Credit – students who do well on AP Exams can earn credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college

3. The Benefits of AP Courses
Challenging work that pays off
Often the most interesting and fulfilling courses a student takes in high school
Develop confidence
Learn study habits and time management skills essential for success in college
Scholarships
Competitive College Admissions

4. AP and College Admission
Colleges rank “Grades in college prep courses” and “Strength of curriculum” as the top two factors in the admission decision
85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions
**For the purposes of this study, “selective” institutions were defined as those where less than 70 percent of applicants were admitted, the mean SAT score was 1025 or higher, and mean ACT score was 22 or higher.
“We look favorably on students who have taken AP courses. The presence of AP courses is a sign that a student has chosen to challenge him/herself.”
—Admission Officer

5. AP Courses Offered by SMHS:
AP Biology
AP Psychology
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus
AP Physics
AP Calculus 2 (North classroom)
AP English Composition
AP Studio Art
AP English Literature
AP Computer Science Principals
AP Human Geography
AP Spanish Language
AP US History
AP Spanish Literature
AP European History

6. What Are AP Courses Like?
Classes tend to be fast-paced and cover more material than typical high school classes
More time required both inside and outside the classroom to complete lessons, assignments and homework
Teachers expect students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh competing perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively
Discussion topic: How can parents help support their children?
Encourage time management
Remind them to prioritize
Recommend they form study groups
Designate specific areas for homework and studying

7. AP Exams Administered May 6th -17th
Exams usually last around three hours
Each AP Exam contains:
Multiple-choice questions
Free-response questions (essay, problem-solving, oral response)

8. Why Take AP Exams?
Over 3,200 colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP Exam scores (more than 90 percent of four-year U.S. colleges and universities)
Save Money on College Tuition Fees!

9. AP Credit Policy Information
Information about AP credit and placement policies at many colleges and universities is available at
Search by college or university name
You will see two things for each school
A link to the college’s web page that details its AP credit and placement policies
A statement by the college or university about its AP policy

10. SIGN Up for AP Exams by
Wednesday, March 20th

11. The Basics – dual credit
Earn college credit while taking classes in high school
Credit earned will either be from RCC, SOU, or Lane Community College
Most dual credit classes are either Advanced Placement classes, junior/senior level classes, or career and technical classes

12. The Benefits of dual credit Courses
Free or low-cost college credit
Challenging and interesting classes
Develop confidence
Learn study habits and time management skills essential for success in college
Competitive College Admissions

13. Dual credit and College Admission
Credits earned in high school transfer to most colleges and universities.
Could potentially enter college with a large number of college credits
**For the purposes of this study, “selective” institutions were defined as those where less than 70 percent of applicants were admitted, the mean SAT score was 1025 or higher, and mean ACT score was 22 or higher.

14. What Are dual credit Courses Like?
Tend to be fast-paced and cover more material than typical high school classes
More time required both inside and outside the classroom to complete lessons, assignments and homework
College-Level Coursework
Discussion topic: How can parents help support their children?
Encourage time management
Remind them to prioritize
Recommend they form study groups
Designate specific areas for homework and studying

15. dual Credit Expands Student Options
College credit earned through dual credit classes allows students to:
move into upper-level college courses sooner
pursue a double major
gain time to study and travel abroad

16. Which option do I choose?AP
Credit relies on test performance
Cost = Free with Measure 98 Grant
Number of credits awarded varies
Widely accepted by colleges
DUAL CREDIT
Cost = free or few hundred $$
Number of credits pre-determined
Accepted by fewer colleges

17. Earning College credit in high school
Advanced Placement – AP
Advanced Southern Credit – ASC
Early Entry – SOU
College Now – RCC & LCC
RCC Campus Classes

18. Advanced southern credit (ASC)
Standard college courses certified by Southern Oregon University
Offered as part of a customary high school curriculum
Transcribed by the SOU Registrar's office
Register in the high school class by term
$43 per credit

19. ASC course offerings AP Biology AP Calculus 2 (NMHS)
AP Language & Composition
AP Literature & Composition
AP Psychology
AP Statistics
AP U.S. History
Anatomy & Physiology
Astronomy (NMHS)
Spanish 4 & 5
Pre-Calculus Honors
Learners & Learning/Human Development
Speech and Debate

20. College now – RCC & LCC
Free college credit for taking specific SMHS courses
Registration varies from class to class and term to term
Most Oregon colleges accept this credit.

21. College now course offerings
AP Psychology
Career and College 11 & 12
Auto Service Advanced
Culinary 3 (LCC)
Digital Technology
Culinary 4 (LCC)
Pre-Calculus - Regular and Honors
Welding
Introduction to Healthcare
Learners and Learning
Exploring Careers in Healthcare
Advanced Strength and Speed
Medical Terminology
Advanced Musicianship
Sports Medicine

22. Sou early entry Taking classes on the SOU campus
100 and 200 level courses
$86 per credit or $344 for a typical 4 credit course.
See counselor for information.

23. Rcc campus classes Students take classes at RCC
Transportation is provided (RVTD)
District will pay for the course
Must fill out Underage Enrollment Form and RCC Permission Slip (PFC)
Take and pass the Placement test.
Register at the appropriate time for courses.

24. Which Option is best for me?
RCC-
1. Free 2. Accepted at all Oregon Public Universities and Community Colleges
3. Good option if you plan on attending RCC after graduation.
SOU-
1. $43 per credit (scholarship available for students on free/reduced lunch) 2. Higher transferability among colleges and universities (especially private and out-of-state institutions
AP Exam-
1. MSD is paying for all tests for Highest transferability 3. If you are a good test taker
*Reaching out to colleges/universities and inquiring about their dual credit policies is completely acceptable.

25. Things to be aware of….
Along with the opportunities provided as a result of participating in dual credit programs comes certain responsibilities to ensure you participation is a positive and successful endeavor.
Students need to be aware of important dates and deadlines pertaining to dropping or withdrawing from college courses. Failure to drop or withdraw will result in a failing grade on a college transcript.
Having a failing grade on a college transcript can result in forfeiting future financial aid. For example, at RCC a GPA under 2.0 results in academic probation. This can also affect future Pell Grant, scholarship, and loan eligibility.
Proficiency Grading Policy: College professors do not grade on a proficiency system. Be sure your student knows when/how grades are submitted to the college. This applies to both the programs housed here at South and those on the college campuses.
Athletic Eligibility: If you sign up for RCC Courses as a part of your SMHS course load needed to maintain athletic eligibility and drop a course, you may lose your eligibility.

26. Learn More
For more information about the AP Program, Ms. Breton at
For more information about AP courses and exams visit
For more information about Dual Credit options, Robyn Kondziela at