Honors/Advanced Placement Information Night Information for the 2015-2016 Academic Year Dublin High School February 11, 2015 Why take advanced coursework? Appropriate for students who have a special talent and interest in a particular course of study and wish to challenge themselves. Academically prepares students for the rigors of college or further study in a particular area. If a student performs well on an AP exam, it may be possible to earn college credits. Honors and AP courses are “weighted” so an additional grade point is given for grades of “C” or better which enhances a student’s GPA. In other words…. It is better to take a strong set of classes and do well than over-commit and not do as well as possible. GPA is a very important college selection factor. In general terms, no more than 3 Honors/AP courses are recommended. Each student is an individual; each family needs to take into account family and friend time, sports/volunteering/clubs and leadership activities, etc. Students subject to stress need to carefully consider their course selections. How to be successful? Successful completion of previous coursework Strong reading and writing skills Strong organization skills Consistent completion of homework Self-motivated Independent learner Excellent attendance Willingness to access help Pros and Cons of Honors/AP Coursework Pros Cons Appealing to colleges and Level of rigor is higher than universities if grades are good. Colleges/universities will allow up to 8 semesters of Honors/AP work to “bump up” GPA. Many students exceed 8 semesters of Honors/AP work. A cost of an AP exam is $110.00. A 3-credit course at a UC campus is $1,320.00. If student passes, can save time/money. our already rigorous college preparatory classes. Requires significant time/study commitment. Not all colleges recognize AP credits, may have limitations on the number of credits accepted and may calculate GPA by unweighting weighted courses. There is no guarantee of an enhanced GPA. Pros and Cons of Honors/AP Coursework Pros Excellent for students wishing to challenge themselves. Cons A poor grade in an Honors or AP course does not “weight up” the grade. Nothing below a “C” counts. For AP courses, depending on the score earned on the AP exam, students may earn college credit. College credit is determined by each postsecondary institution. May not be possible to transfer out to equivalent grade level course or other elective. Other considerations: Does the student have the time to commit to their classes? Does the student have good study skills and time management? Is the student taking this course for the right reason? Has your family had a discussion about whether this is a good fit for your student? Placement in Honors/AP Courses Students and parents should attend the Honors/AP Information Night in February. Students must successfully complete the previous course or pre-requisite as needed. Students should obtain a teacher recommendation for the course and attend an informational meeting about the class if necessary. Students will then meet with their counselor to review course load. Student and parent will then complete and sign a contract agreeing to the expectations and responsibilities of the course. Policies about dropping these courses are still being drafted and will be available in August 2015. Highlights of Honors/AP Contract Some teachers may have their own contract in addition to the universal contract. Students turn in an individual contract to each Advanced, Honors or AP teacher by (TBD). Students must inform counselor and the teacher of Advanced/ AP/Honors course if they wish to drop by (TBD). After that, they are held to their course selections. Students pay for AP exams online with Total Registration at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/050784. It is preferred that students do so at the start of the school year. Payments must be made by 3/11/16 in order to meet test ordering deadline requirements. Fee reductions are available for students eligible for or participating in Free/Reduced Lunch Program. Those students would pay $5.00 per AP exam instead of $110.00 per exam. AP exams are in May 2016. Scheduling for 2015-2016 courses begin in late February 2015. Advanced/Honors Courses English 1 ADV English 3H English 2 ADV Chemistry H Band ADV Anatomy/Physiology H Video Production ADV Chinese H French H Spanish H Show Choir H ADV Vocal Music H Advanced Placement Courses AP Music Theory AP Studio Art Drawing AP English Language & Composition AP English Literature & Composition AP European History AP Human Geography AP Microeconomics AP Psychology AP United States Government & Politics AP United States History AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Computer Science A AP Environmental Science AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Statistics AP Chinese Language and Culture