Advanced Placement

Now that you have your PSAT/NMSQT scores, you can link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts to access free, personalized practice on Khan Academy. By following three simple steps, you’ll be able to start practicing for the SAT with a focus on the areas you need the most help.

• Do you need to finish a project and use the computer?
• Do you need a place to organize a study session with friends?
• Do you need extra help?

Open Monday through Thursday after school from 2:40 to 4:30 pm

Peer Tutoring by AP Students in almost all subjects

Questions?? Ask Mrs. Cangro in the Counseling Office Room 145

Plan for the Future - Newsletter Articles

Myths about AP Classes

Things you thought you knew about AP classes. First of all, what is an AP Class? AP stands for Advanced Placement. An AP class is the most advanced course you can take at the high school level -even more advanced than honors. In order for a class to be considered AP a teacher has to prove (by completing certain requirements) that the class has the same rigor as a university course. Once you’re in the AP class your teacher will prepare you to take the AP exam in May. The exam is graded by AP teachers across the nation using a score of 1-5. Passing scores are 3 (qualified), 4 (well qualified) or 5 (extremely well qualified). The score is used by colleges and universities to determine if you will receive credit for what you’ve already learned or you will be allowed to skip that class once you are in college, otherwise known as “advanced placement”.

Common misconceptions about these courses.

1. You have to be “smart” to take AP classes.

False.  Any student can take an AP class during high school. As long as you have the motivation to work hard in the college-level class, you are welcome to try it. Some classes are teacher recommended or your counselor may suggest them; but, in the end, if you want to take the class or classes, and you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you are allowed to sign up.

2. I took the class, but I didn’t pass the exam. What a waste of time!

False.  Okay, so you took the exam, tried your best, but you didn’t pass it. You’re thinking: I should’ve taken the non-AP class. Guess what? You will still benefit from your hard work and effort. Colleges and universities appreciate the challenge and when they compare your transcript to other students who didn’t take AP classes, you will look more favorable because you took the initiative to take on challenging course work. 

Also, by taking an AP class, you benefit from the extra grade point average! If you get a B in the class, your GPA will reflect an A. If you get an A, your GPA will reflect an extra point so instead of 4 points you’ll receive 5.

3. You have to pass the AP Exam to pass the class in school.

False.  The grade you receive in your AP class reflects the effort and hard work you put into the class. The grade you receive on the AP exam reflects your understanding of what you learned while you were in the class. Obviously, there is a correlation between the two because if you put in a lot of effort and if you work hard while you are in class, there is a high probability that you will pass the exam.

4. The AP Exam is too expensive.

False.  You’re a teenager. Anything more than twenty bucks is too expensive especially if you have to spend it on something for school. The fee for each exam is $94. That’s nothing compared to taking the same class in college where you’ll have to pay you’re your own textbooks, tuition and other costs involved with being a college student.

Also, this year any LBUSD AP student who takes the exam in the class they are enrolled in will only have to pay $5 per exam!  So, all you’re truly paying for a college class is only $5!!! So, there’s really no excuse to not take the exam.

I’m a Freshman, Why Should I Start Worrying About College?

 You’re a freshman, you must have heard the phrase: “Time flies when you’re having fun”; well, that’s not the only time that it flies. It may be your first year of high school, but before you know it, you are planning for your high school graduation.

When you plan, you end up having more options for yourself. If you plan to do well in your classes and to receive good grades, then you won’t have to limit your choices about which college or university to attend.

Next Steps…

Stop by the College and Career Center in room 332 (upstairs) or the College Advisor’s Office to get questions answered about planning for life after high school.

Make a plan NOW - visit the College Board's Big Future website - www.bigfuture.org to help you plan your future!

Be sure you are meeting the requirements for your goals. (A-G Requirements)

Talk to your parents and counselor about AP classes.

Do community service or join a club.