Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement®

Many schools listed in Boarding Schools in the U.S.A. proudly mention that they offer AP® or Advanced Placement Program® courses. AP courses are university-level courses in a variety of subject areas that students can take while still in high school (secondary school.) AP courses are usually more demanding than regular high school courses so for example, an AP Chemistry class would be more intensive than a regular chemistry class and would attract students who enjoy being challenged. Because of the level of preparation they provide, AP courses are an excellent tool to help students make a smooth transition from high school to university.

At the conclusion of an AP course, students have the opportunity to take the corresponding AP Exam. AP Exams are two- to three-hour exams, given in May, made up of multiple-choice and free-response questions. They're graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 3 considered a "qualifying" score.

Most universities in the United States, Canada and an increasing number of universities around the world, will grant advanced placement and/or university credit for qualifying scores on AP Exams. Earning “advanced placement” means that a student could skip the introductory (first level) class in this subject at a university and enter a higher level university class. Earning “credit” means that a student can actually earn points toward an undergraduate degree.

Obtaining university credit, or advanced placement through AP, can increase options for students. It can allow students to move into upper level courses sooner, pursue a double major or a combined bachelors and masters degree, and gain time to study abroad or pursue internships. It can also help students save money on university courses.

There are 38 AP courses and exams across 23 subject areas including: Art (art history, studio art), Language (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Spanish), History (U.S., European, world), Science (biology, physics, chemistry), English (language or literature), Computer science, and Mathematics (calculus, statistics). Boarding schools and other secondary schools usually offer AP courses in one or several subject areas. Each school administration determines which courses it will offer.

For more information about AP courses, the benefits of enrolling in an A.P. course, or a complete listing of all available AP Exams, please consult the following website: http://www.collegeboard.com/ap/students.

Courtesy The College Board, Advanced Placement Program®

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