What is the Advanced Placement (AP) program?

AP courses are college-level courses that are offered during high school. These courses were created by university professors to reflect what is being taught in first-year college classes.  This is a great opportunity to possibly earn college credit by passing the AP test. 

Who can take AP classes?

AP classes are for students in grades 10 - 12.  They are NOT only for students with the best grades.  ANYONE who is confident, motivated and ready can enroll in AP classes.  

What are the AP exams?

The Advanced Placement examinations allow high school students to demonstrate mastery of college-level course materials and to even potentially earn college credit with qualifying exam scores.  AP tests measure students' mastery of knowledge and skills from AP courses, such as:

• Social Studies: US History, US Government, and Human Geography 
• The Arts: Studio Art: 2D Design, Studio Art: Drawing, and Studio Art: 3D Design
• Math: Calculus AB, Calculus BC and Statistics
• English Literature
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics 1, Physics 2
• Languages: Spanish Language
• Computer Science: Computer Science A and Computer Science Principles

What are the benefits of AP classes?

• AP lets students pursue college-level studies in high school.  They get the opportunity to earn college credit and/or placement into more challenging classes.
• Taking AP courses shows the college admission officers that a student wants to take the most challenging courses available.  Having AP classes on a transcript can help tremendously with both college admissions and in receiving scholarships.
• AP classes help students develop analytical abilities as well as communication, research and time-management skills.  
• Students who score 3 or higher are more likely to graduate college on time and can save time and money in college.
• Even students who score below 3 are still more likely to graduate college on time.  

How many college credits can I earn?

The tests are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with a 3 or higher considered mastery.  Students who receive test scores of 3 or higher can earn college credit and/or placement into more advanced classes depending on a college's policies. Depending on the number of tests passed, a student can save thousands of dollars in college tuition fees.   

To find the credit policy of a specific university, visit www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy.  For more information, read the AP Oregon State Credit Table.

What if I want to know more about this program?

Advanced Placement for Parents

College Board: Videos about AP for Parents and Students

HRVHS AP Exam Coordinator: Sarah Benson, 

SUMMIT Career Center, (541) 386-4500, sarah.benson@hoodriver.k12.or.us