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Advanced Placement
Program
Another Way to Get Ahead at Windham High School
What
is the AP program?
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a program of college-level courses
and exams that gives secondary school students an opportunity to receive
advanced placement and/or credit in college. Each college decides which exam
grades it will accept.
What
are the advantages of the AP program?
The AP Program can offer several benefits:
·
exemption
by college from introductory courses; this leaves time for early completion of
requirements or for exploration of new areas
·
tuition
savings – finish college in 3-4 years instead of 4-5 years due to credits earned
through AP exams
·
demonstration of willingness to tackle more difficult courses
·
challenge
yourself
·
sharpening
of academic skills
What
are the AP exams like?
The AP Exams contain both multiple-choice and free-response
questions. The free-response questions require essay writing, problem solving,
and other skills. Most of the exams are three hours long. They are given every
year during a two week period in May.
How
are the exams graded?
The multiple-choice questions are scored by computer. The
free-response booklets are evaluated by faculty consultants who spend a week in
June scoring answers in approximately 740,000 booklets. Every exam receives a
grade on a five-point scale: 5(extremely well qualified); 4(well qualified);
3(qualified); 2(possibly qualified); or 1(no recommendation).
Who
can take an AP exam?
The AP Exams are open to anyone; however, you can improve your
chances for doing well on an exam by taking an AP courses.
Does
WHS offer any courses that help prepare students for the AP exams?
Yes. Courses at WHS which closely follow the AP curriculum are: English 12 AP; U.S. AP; Psychology II AP; Calculus AP; Biology II AP; Chemistry
II AP, Physics II AP; French VI AP; Spanish VI AP; and Studio Art AP.
How
much does an AP exam cost?
The test is expensive and the price seems to go up each year. The
cost of each AP Exam in May 2006 is $82.00. Fee reductions are available for
students who are financially qualified. The reduced fee for May 2006 is $52.00.
How
many credits can be earned through AP exams?
The number of credits awarded is determined by the college. Most of
the exams cover a full year college course and, therefore, could earn a student
6.00 credits per exam. Some exams cover only a semester course. Some colleges
may waive introductory courses instead of offering actual credits.
How
does a WHS student sign up for an AP exam?
Students usually sign up for the AP Exams at the WHS Bank usually
between January 15, 2009, and March 1, 2009. A deposit is required at the time of signing
up.
For More Information Contact:
Windham High School Counseling Department
355 High Street Willimantic, CT 06226
Tel: (860) 465-2470
FAX: (860) 465-2463
E-Mail:
Counseling Department Co-Directors
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