AP class question

[paulcindy]

I know what CLEP's are. And I know AP is Advanced Placement. But what does AP equal to? Do you gain college credit with AP Courses like the CLEP's give you?

 

If not, what is the advantage of AP Classes?

[kate in seattle]

I know what CLEP's are. And I know AP is Advanced Placement. But what does AP equal to? Do you gain college credit with AP Courses like the CLEP's give you?

 

If not, what is the advantage of AP Classes?

 

Please do not assume that ANY test (CLEP, AP, IB, SAT II or something else I have forgotten) will gain your student credit OR advanced placement at every college.

 

Each college (and actually, each department within each college) sets their own rules on what scores from which tests they will accept and how much credit (if any) or advanced placement (if any) they will grant

 

Having an AP class on a transcript shows your student is taking classes at the highest level possible in high school (Remember though you can't call any class "AP"; the syllabus must be approved by the College Board.)

 

Getting a decent (3, 4, 5) score on the AP is independent (outside) verification of the academic rigor of your home school.

 

You are more likely to get credit and/or advanced placement from top tier schools with AP scores.

 

CLEPs are shorter, cheaper and easier. If your student is attending a school which accepts CLEP test scores - go for it. Some colleges will only accept CLEP scores from test taken AFTER you are admitted and/or matriculated.

 

In pursuing any of these outside test options, know the college and what you want from the test.

 

Do not let anyone give you a "this applies to all situations" because I KNOW that isn't true.

[Laurie4b]

Please do not assume that ANY test (CLEP, AP, IB, SAT II or something else I have forgotten) will gain your student credit OR advanced placement at every college.

 

Each college (and actually, each department within each college) sets their own rules on what scores from which tests they will accept and how much credit (if any) or advanced placement (if any) they will grant

 

Having an AP class on a transcript shows your student is taking classes at the highest level possible in high school (Remember though you can't call any class "AP"; the syllabus must be approved by the College Board.)

 

Getting a decent (3, 4, 5) score on the AP is independent (outside) verification of the academic rigor of your home school.

 

You are more likely to get credit and/or advanced placement from top tier schools with AP scores.

 

CLEPs are shorter, cheaper and easier. If your student is attending a school which accepts CLEP test scores - go for it. Some colleges will only accept CLEP scores from test taken AFTER you are admitted and/or matriculated.

 

In pursuing any of these outside test options, know the college and what you want from the test.

 

Do not let anyone give you a "this applies to all situations" because I KNOW that isn't true.

 

Great post! "Know thy college" is always the motto!

[paulcindy]

How do you know that the AP class is accepted by the college board?

[Corraleno]

All of the courses, worldwide, which have been audited by the College Board and are officially allowed to use the AP designation are listed in this database, and you can look up any course to double-check its status here:

http://www.collegeboard.com/apcourseledger/home_page.html

 

If your student plans to prepare for AP exams at home, you can see lists of suggested textbooks for each course here:

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/index.html

(click on the course, then click on "Example Textbooks")

 

Jackie