High School Academics
Frequently Asked Questions:
Please see the link below for current course descriptions:
AP classes are college level courses that are more challenging and rigorous. AP classes require energetic, involved, and motivated students. AP courses receive 1 extra quality point towards GPA whereas Honors courses receive an additional .5 quality point.
The main advantage of taking an AP course is advanced preparation for college. Taking an AP course and doing well in that course (even if you do not do well on the final exam) looks good on college applications. Additionally, students who score well on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school. The AP exams take place every year in May. Scores are reported to the colleges designated by the student and range from 1 (no recommendation) to 5 (extremely qualified). Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit. Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the colleges in which they are interested in to see if they accept AP exams for credits.
Students who succeed in AP courses generally do well in college as a result of rigorous academic preparation. AP classes are weighted on a 5.0 scale. If you do well, your GPA will not be adversely affected. However, it is not advised to take numerous AP courses without serious consideration and teacher recommendations. Doing poorly in an AP course will affect your GPA
There are no charges for taking an AP course. NC has covered the cost of $96 of students taking the AP exams so students will be taking these exams for free providing they sat for the course this year.
No. However, we recommend you discuss this with your AP teacher and encourage you to take it. If you do poorly on the exam, your score will not adversely affect your chances of college admittance (but doing poorly in the course will).
