ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Advanced Placement is a cooperative endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. This program, sponsored by the College Board, is designed to enable students to have the opportunity to take college level courses while still in high school. At the end of the AP class, the student sits for the AP Exam – potentially earning college credit. Tests are administered at Westside and registration typically takes place in late January or early February.
According to Newsweek, Westside High School ranks number 245 on their 2008 list of the top high schools in the nation. Schools are ranked using a ratio of AP (IB or Cambridge) tests taken by students in 2007 divided by the number of graduating seniors. Out of some 27,000 schools, Newsweek ranked the best 1425. The list of schools making the cut represents the top 5% of those considered and our rank puts us in the top 1%!
Find out more! View our AP slide show.
Additional AP information and testing schedule can be found on the College Board website.
AP Entrance Agreement Form
Neighborhood Vanguard Program application and testing information is now available.
AP/PRE-AP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is AP?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program sponsored by the College Board. Participating in the program gives students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school. The best source for information on AP is the College Board website – www.collegeboard.com .
Why should I take AP courses?
AP courses teach students skills that can lead to success in college. Students will develop the writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and study habits that will prepare him/her for college academics. Plus, taking rigorous AP courses demonstrates a student’s maturity, willingness to push him/herself intellectually, and commitment to academic excellence, which can help him/her stand out in the college admissions process.
What are AP Exams?
AP Exams are given once a year in May. These exams provide students with a standardized measure of what they’ve accomplished in the AP classroom. Colleges and universities will use these AP Exam grades to possibly award the student credit, placement or both. Click here for the dates of the exams. ((link to College Board website - http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal/cal2.html ))
This sounds like a lot of work. Are there any other rewards?
In addition to the intellectual rewards listed above, AP and PAP students are also rewarded with an extra point on their GPA.
For example –
Student A – Preparatory English 1 Semester Grade: A GPA points: 4
Student B – Pre-AP English 1 Semester Grade: A GPA points: 5
The following chart summarizes the GPA points for Pre-AP/AP vs. Prep classes.
|
|
Pre-AP/AP |
Preparatory |
A |
90-100 |
5 points |
4 points |
B |
80 – 89 |
4 points |
3 points |
C |
75 – 79 |
3 points |
2 points |
D |
70 – 74 |
2 points |
1 points |
F |
0 – 69 |
0 points |
0 points |
Can freshmen take AP Courses?
Westside offers AP Human Geography for 9th grade students.
What grade do I have to make on the AP Exam to earn credit from my university?
Each college/university has a unique credit policy. You can use this link to find out about the policy at a particular college. (link http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp)
What are Pre-AP courses?
Pre-AP courses are designed to prepare students for the rigors of the AP course. Enrollment in Pre-AP is not required to enroll in AP course – but, it is very beneficial.
Is there an application process?
No. Westside has adopted the College Board’s philosophy of open enrollment. If a student is interested in taking a PAP/AP course, then he/she will simply register for those courses when he/she completes course selection.
I have more questions – who can I ask?
For more information or to ask any questions, please contact
Stephanie Matlock
AP/GT Coordinator
smatlock@houstonisd.org
281-920-8022
Spring Final Exam Exemptions for AP Exams
The College Board and Westside High School are pleased to announce the 2010 AP Scholars.
This list (please use link above) was generated from the College Board based on each student’s cumulative AP record. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a student ends up with two records at the College Board. If this occurs, then the student may not be properly identified as an AP Scholar. If you believe that your student’s name should be on this list, please contact Stephanie Matlock at smatlock@houstonisd.org or at 281-920-8022.