Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) gives students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in high school. Students are required to take the AP exam for each AP course in which they are enrolled. While AP exams are approximately $94, the state of Indiana pays for exam fees in Science, English and Math. Each semester grade earned in an AP course receives two additional grade points in the calculation of the grade point average (GPA). (i.e. A+ = 14 points instead of 12 points in the calculation). The “weighting” of the GPA serves as a motivator and a reward for the increased rigor of AP courses. The are many benefits of AP - studying interesting and challenging topics, discovering new interests and getting a head start of their college future.
DeKalb High School offers the following AP Courses:
AP Studio Art
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry
AP English Literature/Composition
AP English Language/Composition
AP European History
AP Microeconomics
AP Physics
AP Statistics
AP U.S. Government/Politics
AP U.S. History
AP World History
Find out what you can really do…
Challenge yourself and see what you are capable of achieving. Master college-level material and discover the satisfaction of reaching your goals and knowing you have been successful.
Prepare for college work…
AP courses and exams represent the beginning of your journey through college-level academic challenges. Once you’re used to being challenged, you’re more likely to continue with advanced studies. AP is not just a test, it’s an experience. AP courses motivate you to work hard and you can improve the quality of all your courses based on the skills you gain in one AP course.
The work you do in an AP course will help you develop skills and study habits that will be vital in college. You’ll learn how to analyze problems effectively, improve your writing skills, and prepare for exams. Students who take AP courses and exams are more knowledgeable about the demands of college work, and they understand what is needed to succeed at the college level.
Improve your chances of being admitted into a competitive college…
Colleges and universities recognize that applicants with AP experience are much better prepared for the demands of college courses. Admissions officers are aware of the difficulty of AP courses and exams, and sending them your AP Exam grades can be a positive step toward potential admission into competitive colleges and programs.
Get a head start…
Every year, hundreds of college students achieve sophomore standing by earning qualifying AP grades. More than 1400 institutions in the United States alone grant a full year’s credit to students who present satisfactory grades on enough AP Exams. Contact the colleges you are interested in attending to get the most up-to-date information about their AP policies.
Even if your AP exam score earns no college credit and/or you take the course again for your major, you will be better prepared.
Earn a Scholar Award…
The AP Program offers a number of awards to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement. An acknowledgement appears on the student’s AP Grade Report. Scholar Award recipients not only gain recognition from colleges, but also win the admiration of their peers families and communities.
The payoff…
When you ask yourself “Is it worth it?” consider the potential payoff. The AP experience is rich and rewarding. You work hard but you get much in return. Most colleges view and AP experience as a plus, and AP gives you tools that serve you well throughout your college career.