Course Title:
AP United States History
Course Description:
AP U.S. History is a course for
students who have demonstrated
an interest and ability in history.
Emphasis is on developing college
skills in reading analysis and
essay writing while acquiring a
thorough understanding of the
major personalities, events, and
patterns found in the history of
the United States.
All students are required to take
the College Board exam in AP U.S.
History in May.
Prerequisite:
• 3.5 cumulative GPA
• Completed application
• Interest and aptitude for
history
• A grade of C or above in
Geo-History and sophomore
English
• Students who are interested
in taking the class but have
below a 3.5 GPA can apply
but are required to submit a
second essay (on the reverse
side of this application).
Bishop O’Dowd High School
Application for Advanced Placement (AP)
Course 2016-2017
Directions: Please read the AP course description and
prerequisites carefully before completing the application. Only
complete applications received by the deadline date will be
considered. For questions or further information, please contact
the course instructor or school counselor prior to the application
deadline.
The student and parents/guardians should be aware that this
course will require 5 to 10 hours of summer work to be
completed before the first day of class.
Return completed applications to Ms. Candy Promes, Academic
Coordinator, Hurley Hall room 11, by Monday, February 1, 2016
at 3:00 pm.
Application Requirements:
• Completed application
• Bishop O’Dowd Transcript (attach)
• Parent and Student Signatures
All candidates will be notified of decisions by Friday, February
26, 2016
Student Information:
Name _______________________________________
Student ID Number ____________________________
Grade Level for 2016-2017 _______________________
Parent Signature _______________________________
Student Signature ______________________________
Teacher:
Date ________________
Patti Harjehausen
pharjehausen@bishopodowd.org
(510) 577-0100 x 145
(over)
Teacher Recommendation
Candidates do not need to solicit individual teacher recommendations. Candidates will be reviewed by the
social studies department chairperson and course instructor and confidential recommendations will be made
based on grades and prior academic performance in social studies classes.
Application Essay
Please complete the following essay. Be sure to use historical and current examples to support your position.
The essay should be five paragraphs in length in 12 point Times New Roman font with 1” margins.
1. Given the diversity of American society, what provides a common bond to us as Americans?
Second Application Essay (for special consideration applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.5.)
2. Research an historical presidential election (1996 and earlier) and discuss the characteristics of the
candidates, the platforms on which they ran, the reason they won/lost and any personal commentary about
your findings (analysis) including WHY you chose this particular election.