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AP Program

Changes to AP Courses and Exams in 2011-12

Visit AP in 2011-12 and Beyond to learn more about upcoming changes to AP French Language and Culture, AP German Language and Culture, and AP World History. Information on future years' AP science courses and exams is also available.

Connecting students to college success

In today's information-based economy, a college education is a necessity, not a luxury. However, a study from the U.S. Department of Education found that of the students who entered college in 1995:

  • Only one-half (53 percent) had attained a bachelor's degree after six years.
  • About one-fourth (23 percent) had not attained any degree and were no longer enrolled after six years.

Students who take longer to graduate from a public college or university typically pay up to $19,000 for each additional year. Students attending private institutions might expect to incur $26,197 for each additional year.1

As schools send the next generation of students off to college, they need to ask themselves—is the end goal of college admission enough? What can be done to provide your students with the tools they need to succeed in college?

AP can help

AP is a rigorous academic program built on the commitment, passion, and hard work of students and educators from both secondary schools and higher education. Since 1955, the AP Program has enabled millions of students to take college-level courses and exams, and to earn college credit or placement while still in high school.

A 2008 study found that AP students had better four-year graduation rates than those who did not take AP. For example, graduation rates for AP English Literature students were 62 percent higher than graduation rates for those who took other English courses in high school.2

Taking AP also increases eligibility for scholarships and makes candidates more attractive to colleges:

  • 31 percent of colleges and universities consider a student's AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive scholarships.3
  • 85 percent of selective colleges and universities report that a student's AP experience favorably impacts admissions decisions.4

Learn more about the AP Program by following these links:

Customized Entry Pages

HIGHLIGHT

Visit the AP Course Ledger to gain access to the detailed results of the AP Course Audit. To find authorized AP Courses, you can search the database by subject, school, high school code, state, and country.

Fast Facts about AP

  • The majority of U.S. high schools currently participate in the AP Program.
  • The AP Program offers 33 courses and exams.
  • The AP Exam fee is $86. The College Board provides a $22 fee reduction for qualifying low-income students. Most states use federal and/or state funds to cover part or all of the remaining exam fee for low-income students.
  • More than 90 percent of four-year U.S. colleges and universities grant credit or placement for qualifying AP Exam scores.

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