Guilford High School An Introduction to the Advanced Placement Program Guilford High School is committed to every students success. We believe access to rigorous course work such as Advanced Placement (AP) plays an important role in that success. Welcome What are Advanced Placement Courses? The Benefits AP Exams What Is It Like to Take AP? Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices Q & A What Well Cover What Are Advanced Placement Courses? AP courses are college-level courses offered in high school Courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses Students take AP Exams at the end of the course, measuring their mastery of college-level work A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam can typically earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college Advanced Placement : The Basics Arts: Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio, Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio, Studio Art: 3-D Design, Art History, Music Theory English: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition History and Social Sciences: European History, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Psychology, United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History, Human Geography, Comparative Government and Politics Mathematics and Computer Science: Calculus AB or BC, Computer Science A, Statistics Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics World languages: Spanish Language, French Language Courses are offered only if enough student interest is demonstrated by course requests. Our AP Courses 577 AP exams were taken in AP Scholars: students who received scores of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams 2 AP Scholars with Honor: students who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken 5 AP Scholars with Distinction: students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken 1 National AP Scholar: students who received an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken AP at Guilford High School AP: The Benefits Students learn rigorous college-level content and skills Taking AP is valued in the college admission process AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college AP : The Benefits 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a students AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions* Colleges rank grades in college-preparatory courses and strength of curriculum as the two top factors in the admission decision AP courses tell college admission officials that students are challenging themselves and preparing for the rigors they'll encounter in their college careers *Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc., March 2007 AP from the College Admissions Perspective Taking an AP course helps students build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential time management and study skills needed for college success Nationally, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers* *2009, The College Board, The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes" AP : Skills & Advantages that Last a Lifetime Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to complete a college degree on time.* Graduating in four years represents a significant savings on the cost of college. Only 1 in 4 college students completes a bachelors degree in 4 years. The average cost of college for a single year is $21,500** for in-state schools (tuition, fees, room/board, misc. expenses). *College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences, The College Board, 2008 **The College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2011, Figure 1 AP Helps Students Graduate on Time & Save Money AP Expands Students Options When students earn college credit through AP Exams, their options and opportunities expand: Move to upper-level college courses sooner Pursue a double major Gain time to study and travel abroad AP courses challenge students to work and participate at a higher level: Opportunities to explore topics in depth More time in and out of the classroom required to complete assignments and projects High expectations for critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evidence, multiple perspectives, and clear written and verbal communications AP : A More Engaging Learning Experience AP Exams AP Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in May each year. Exams are typically 23 hours and include: Multiple-choice questions Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, document-based questions and oral response The exam fee for 2015/16 is $92 per exam. Assistance is available for eligible students with financial need: The College Board offers a fee reduction per exam for eligible students with financial need. State and District funding provide an additional fee reduction AP Exam Fees Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP credit and placement. The College Board offers information about AP credit at thousands of college and universities atCredit and Placement Opportunities Search by school name or alphabetically Data for each school includes a direct link to that schools Web page detailing AP credit and placement policies A statement from the college or university about its AP policy 155 AP exams were passed (3+) by Guilford students in 2014 Tuition costs for a typical course (3 credit hours) at: Rock Valley College - $300 University of Illinois - $3400 Washington University - $4200 AP and our Higher Education Community A Sampling of Credit for University of Illinois CourseMinimum ScoreCredits Earned Biology58 Calculus BC35 48 Chemistry33 Economics43 English Lit47 Physics B410 Psychology54 What is it like to take AP ? Our school offers these resources and programs to support our AP students: AP Prep Camp - Students new to AP are eligible to participate in our 2-week summer program Tutoring Most teachers provide tutoring to help students transition into their AP course at the beginning of the year Most/all teachers provide tutoring in the weeks leading up to the exam Peer tutoring is available along with study sessions for many courses Our School Offers Support for AP Students Our AP Teachers: Up Close & Personal The teachers perspective of AP Courses: What to expect. Work load. How is this different from an Honors level course? Are you ready for the challenge? Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices Help your child prepare to talk to a teacher or counselor about AP. Here are some questions to encourage your child to think about: What AP course is right for me? Before you talk to a teacher or counselor, think about what interests you: Which courses do you enjoy most in school? In which subjects do you excel? What college majors are you considering? What careers excite you? Ask your counselor or teacher the following questions: In which AP courses at our school am I likely to do well? Are there other courses that can help me succeed in AP or prepare me for college and careers? What steps do I need to take? What is our schools enrollment deadline? What can I do next to help me prepare for AP? Reviewing and completing the AP Agreement. AP : Start the Conversation AP information: apstudent.collegeboard.orgapstudent.collegeboard.org College and Career Planning: bigfuture.orgbigfuture.org Personalized feedback, practice and college planning based on your PSAT/NMSQT results: My College QuickStart AP credit policy information from colleges and universities: AP : Resources Worth Exploring for Students and Families Questions and Answers Dual Credit Programs Dual Credit at RVC A la carte Student takes RVC course on the Rock Valley campus like a traditional college student. Receives RVC credit and high school credit (for approved courses). Student/family responsible for all tuition and fees (including textbooks). Dual Credit at RVC Approved courses on pages in BLUE High School Planning guide. You fit the program to your needs and interests. Summer, fall and/or spring. Day or evening. One or more classes. Dual Credit at RVC Application steps 1.Complete RVC High School Programs Application, and submit to counselor. 2.Complete Accuplacer Testing. Reading, Math, and/or English (all courses require passing Reading test with 70+) See handout regarding Accuplacer Testing. 3.Complete Dual Credit Agreement Form. 4.Enroll in RVC course through High School Connections office. Notify counselor of schedule. 5.Pay tuition/fees. Purchase books. 6.Have transcript sent to high school counselor to include on high school transcript. Dual Credit at Guilford US Government for seniors Taught by Mr. Maier RVC credit in PSC 160:American National Government and high school credit price tuition ($160.50) Guilford provides textbook RVC course taught on Guilford campus during the regular school day Dual Credit Government Steps to Apply: 1.Complete RVC High School Programs Application by January 13 th and return to Mrs. Nielsen 2.Complete Reading Placement Test at RVC by January 19 th. 3.Show proof of passing placement test to counselor. 4.Complete Dual Credit at High School Registration Agreement 5.Billed in the summer by RVC for the course. Advance Now Programs RVC Dual Credit programs with more of a career training focus. College credit and High school credit. Rockford Public Schools pays the TUITION of the course. Any fees and textbooks would be paid by the student/family. Advance Now Programs Off-campus Programs: Allied Health Health Occupations (CNA) grade 12 only Fitness, Wellness, and Sport grade 12 only Fire Science EMT grade 12 only Automotive Service Technician BCM Basic Construction BCM Sustainable Construction Sustainable Energy Systems Welding Technology Advance Now Programs Online Programs: Computer Keyboarding Micro Computer ApplicationsWindows Based Intro to Business Principles of Management Intro to Organizational Behavior Intro to Computers & Information Systems Intro to Visual Basic Programming Intro to C/C++ Programming Intro to Criminal Justice Advance Now Programs Application Process 1.Complete RVC High School Programs application and submit to counselor by November 20th. 2.Complete Reading, Math, and English placement tests by December 4 th (with retest option through January 8 th ). 3.Complete Advance Now Program Application and submit to counselor. 4.Sign districts Advance Now Contract to commit to the program. 5.Pay fees. Running Start Rockford Public Schools partnership with Rock Valley College in which students attend RVC as a full-time student in junior and senior year of high school. Students concurrently complete high school diploma and 2 year Associate of Science degree or 2 year Engineering Associate of Science degree. Tuition is paid for by District 205. Students/families are responsible for fees/textbooks. Running Start Initial Eligibility to Apply: 1.Sophomores with 3.0 Cumulative GPA. 2.Must have completed Algebra, Geometry, and 2 years of English with B or higher. (Grade of B or higher in Chemistry for Engineering Program). 3.Meet application deadline of November 20th. 4.Pass Reading, Math, and English Placement tests by December 4 th with retest option through January 8 th. Limited number of seats available. Students meeting above requirements will be offered admission on a space available basis, accepting students through a lottery system. Running Start Students are still considered Guilford students and can participate in extra- curricular activities. However, all courses are taken at RVC. Project Lead the Way Engineering Advanced coursework in engineering offers weighted grades (similar to AP) Students earning high enough scores on the End of Course Assessment can apply for transferrable college credit through the University of Iowa ($150). Some colleges award scholarships for students who have taken PLTW courses (Bradley University--$1000) College Board and PLTW are partnering to offer provide recognition to students to take a combination of PLTW and AP courses (2PLTW/1AP or 1PLTW/2AP3 total courses). CLEP testing for College Credit Rock Valley College offers the CLEP exams from College Board for college credit. Exams are $80 plus RVC $15 testing fee. Passing scores earn college credit. CLEP helps you receive college credit for what you already know. CLEP Exam Titles Composition and Literature American Literature Analyzing and Interpreting Literature College Composition College Composition Modular English Literature Humanities Business Information Systems and Computer Applications Principles of Management Financial Accounting Introductory Business Law Principles of Marketing Science and Mathematics Calculus College Algebra Precalculus College Mathematics Biology Chemistry Natural Sciences World Languages French Language German Language Spanish Language History and Social Sciences American Government History of the United States I History of the United States II Human Growth and Development Introduction to Educational Psychology Principles of Macroeconomics Principles of Microeconomics Introduction Psychology Introductory Sociology Social Sciences and History Western Civilization I Western Civilization II Business Information Systems and Computer Applications Principles of Management Financial Accounting Introductory Business Law Principles of Marketing Science and Mathematics Calculus College Algebra Precalculus College Mathematics Biology Chemistry Natural Sciences World Languages French Language German Language Spanish Language CLEP 33 Exam Titles Exam titles in Gen Ed and Business Self-directed learning Primarily multiple choice Immediate score results Unless an essay Flexible test dates $80 AP 37 Exam Titles Exam titles in Gen Ed and Art Typically attached to HS course Trained teacher Multiple choice and essays Wait for scores Single test date each year $89 Dial In # , Passcode # CLEP and AP 45 CLEP GENERAL EXAMINATIONS MINIMUM SCORE CREDIT AWARDED Humanities506 (Elective) Natural Sciences506 (Elective) Social Sciences and History506 (Elective) CLEP SUBJECT EXAMINATIONS Business Information Systems and Computer Applications503 (CIS 102) Introductory Business Law503 (BUS 201) Financial Accounting504 (ATG 110) Principles of Management503 (MGT 270) Principles of Marketing503 (MKT 260) Composition & Literature American Literature503 (LIT-Elective) Analyzing & Interpreting Literature503 (LIT-Elective) English Literature503 (LIT 205) College Composition503 (ENG 101) RVC CLEP Credit Granting Policy 46 MINIMUM SCORE CREDIT GRANTED Foreign Languages French50 8 (FRN 101 & 102) 5914 (FRN 101, 102, 203 & 204) German508 (GRM 101 & 102) (GRM 101, 102, 203 & 204) Spanish50 8 (SPN 101 & 102) (SPN 101, 102, 203 & 204) History & Social Sciences American Government503 (PSC 160) Educational Psychology503 (PSY 271) History of the U.S. I: Early Colonization to (HST 142) History of the U.S. II: 1865 to Present503 (HST 143) Human Growth and Development503 (PSY 270) Introductory Sociology503 (SOC 190) Introductory Psychology503 (PSY 170) Principles of Macroeconomics503 (ECO 110) Principles of Microeconomics503 (ECO 111) Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to (HST 140) Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present503 (HST 141) Sciences & Mathematics Biology (General)503 (BIO 103-No Lab) Calculus505 (MTH 135) Chemistry (General)503 (CHM 120-No Lab) College Algebra503 (MTH 120) College Mathematics503 (MTH 115) Precalculus505 (MTH 132) Policy Updated 5/14/2010 RVC CLEP Credit Granting Policy Tuition Savings Comparison John scores a 60 on the English Composition CLEP exam. He will get credit for the introductory composition class when he sends it to his college. This does not include additional fees or textbooks. Rock Valley CollegeNorthern Illinois UniversityRockford College Tuition/ credit hr.* $ $735 # of credits 3 (ENG 101) 3 (ENGL 103) 4 (RHET 101) Savings $178 $934 $2845 Taking a CLEP Exam at RVC 1.Review the CLEP information on our RVC websiteand print the scheduling form (PDF) and policy. 2.Call the Testing Center for test date availability (815) Complete scheduling form and send in or bring it to RVC Testing Center with the $15 scheduling fee (Check or cash only). Student will receive test confirmation letter from RVC. 4.Prepare for the exam using study materials. 5.Arrive at RVC on the scheduled date and time with a legal ID and CLEP Registration Ticket. RVC sends reminder postcards! 6. CLEP information on our RVC websiteand print the scheduling form CLEP Preparation Review exam descriptions, sample questions and study resources atUse CLEP study guides: Review textbooks and/or past course notes Check with the college bookstore to see what materials are used in the equivalent course CLEP Official Study Guide (College Board) Research & Education Association (REA) Barrons The Princeton Review, etc.