AP Courses

What​ ​are​ ​Advanced​ ​Placement​ ​courses?

These are college level courses that challenge gifted or academically talented students who need a qualitatively differentiated program that takes into consideration individual learning styles and special abilities.

How​ ​are​ ​these​ ​classes​ ​different​ ​from​ ​other​ ​courses?

Advanced Placement courses develop skills in independent study, research, creative thinking and critical thinking. These courses contain a more in-depth approach in content, more discussion, and higher-level thinking, focusing on analysis and synthesis of knowledge.

Who​ ​determines​ ​the​ ​content​ ​of​ ​the​ ​courses?

The class teacher determines the specific content based on the Diocesan Course of Study for the subject, the requirements of the College Board, and the curriculum of the prerequisite courses the students have already taken.

How​ ​are​ ​these​ ​courses​ ​graded?

The teacher in each course sets the specific criteria for assessment based on the standard grading scale. To compensate for the difficulty of the course, students earn a .5 bonus point. That is, a numerical grade that would equate to a 3.5 in a regular course would equate to a 4.0 in an Advanced Placement course.

How​ ​are​ ​students​ ​selected​ ​for​ ​participation​ ​in​ ​these​ ​courses?

Students are selected through an application process that begins in the spring. They must meet the specific prerequisites for the course that normally include standardized test scores, previously earned grades in that subject area, teacher recommendations, and specific course requirements.

What​ ​are​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​to​ ​taking​ ​Advanced​ ​Placement​ ​courses?

Students benefit by being in a class setting that is best suited to their gifts and talents. They also can pursue more in-depth study of a subject area that interests them. College admissions personnel are often as—or more—interested in the types of courses students take than in just the grades they earned. In addition, students can earn college credit and/or placement by taking these courses.

How​ ​can​ ​college​ ​credit​ ​and/or​ ​placement​ ​be​ ​earned?

They may take the Advanced Placement exams offered by the College Board each May. These exams vary in length and format, depending on the course. College professors and high school teachers of AP courses grade the exams; students and the colleges they will be attending receive their scores in July. The specific college determines the placement or credit given to the student.

How do students usually perform on the Advanced Placement exams?

The exams are graded on a basis of 1 to 5.  AP grading standards are set so that a grade of 5 is comparable to a college grade of A or A+, a grade of 4 is comparable to a grade of B to A-, and a grade of 3 is comparable to a college grade of C to B-.  While the percentage of passing scores varies nationally according to the particular exam, roughly 85% of Bishop Watterson students earn a grade of 3 or higher.

What is the AP Scholar Award?

The AP program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams.  These are academic distinctions that students may cite among their credentials.  They do not receive any monetary award from College Board.  AP Scholar Awards come in different levels and types.