Advanced Placement Courses (AP) ~ What are they?
AP courses are high school courses offered by College Board, the same organization that administers PSAT and SAT college readiness tests. All AP courses use college texts/assignments and are designed for students who want a more rigorous academic challenge to be better prepared for college. AP teachers are specially trained in their content area by College Board professionals. These courses are taught at a faster pace and in greater depth of content right in the students' high school buildings.
Do all CMSD high schools offer the same AP Classes?
AP courses are college level courses offered in 21 CMSD high schools. Not all CMSD high schools, however, offer the same number and variety of AP course selections; therefore, students and parents must review each high school's course catalogue prior to enrollment.
How does taking AP classes affect my GPA [grade point average] & class rank?
Students often think that because AP courses are harder, their grades or GPA may suffer. Quite the contrary! An "A" in an AP class = a 5.0, while an "A" in a general class = 4.0. If a student earns a 'B' in an AP class, that B is equal to a 4.0. A grade of 'C' in an AP class equates to a 3.0. AP ensures grades are 'weighted' and weighted grades can boost your GPA over a 4.0 as well as rapidly escalate your class rank.
Here are some comparisons:
Tabble showing GPA points of AP courses versus Standard- For Example for an A Grade AP corses get a 5.0 and a standard corse geets a 4.0.
| Grade |
AP Course |
Standard Course |
| A |
5.0 |
4.0 |
| B |
4.0 |
3.0 |
| C |
3.0 |
2.0 |
AP Exams and Scores ~ How do they work?
All AP students are expected to take an end-of-course exam the first week of May. These exams are paid for by College Board and the State of Ohio. The scores are graded on a 1 to 5 level, 5 being the highest. In order to earn college credit, a student must score a 3, 4 or 5 on the exam. AP scores of 2 or higher in core subject areas, however, count toward high school graduation requirements.
How do I gain more information about AP courses?
Students should begin considering AP in 8th grade. To gain more insight into AP, students / parents should talk to their administrator, high school guidance counselor, an AP teacher or the AP District Coordinator.
What are some of the advantages of taking an AP class? You will...
- Stand out in college admissions
- Enhance scholarship opportunities
- Earn college credits in high school
- Skip introductory college classes
- Garner a 'bank' of college credits before entering college
- Acquire college level reading, writing and math skills
- Participate in a class of academic peers with similar motivation
- Elevate your GPA and move up the class rank ladder quickly
- Give yourself an academic challenge!
Helpful Links from College Board:
