Advanced Placement

What is the Advanced Placement Program?

The AP Program is a voluntary program that offers students an opportunity to take one or more college-level courses while still in high school.  AP courses give students a head start on college while they are still in the supportive environment of a high school classroom. 

AP is not just for top students or those headed for college.  AP touches on a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school.  Each course is a unique learning experience in which students explore subjects from a variety of perspectives – including their own.  Any student from any background has the opportunity to participate in AP classes, but he/she must be willing to take on the challenge of rigorous coursework.

A number of studies show that students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to succeed in college.  Recent research found that AP students earned higher college GPA's and had higher four-year college graduation rates than non-AP students.

What are Advanced Placement Courses?

AP courses are introductory college courses.  They are not easy; neither are they impossibly difficult.  AP courses demand discipline and tenacity.  A student will develop writing skills, problem-solving techniques and study habits that are expected of successful college students.  Taking rigorous AP courses demonstrates a student's maturity, willingness to push their intellect and commitment to academic excellence.

What are Advanced Placement Exams?

Each AP course has a corresponding exam.  AP exams contain multiple-choice questions and a free-response section (essay, problem-solving, oral response).  AP exams represent the culmination of AP coursework and are an integral part of the program.  As a result, the expectation of the school is that students who enroll in AP courses will go on to take the corresponding AP exam.

Why take an AP Exam?

Satisfactory scores on AP exams offer benefits that may enhance applications for college admissions, placement, and scholarships. A student may also receive college credit based on an AP score.  Each college decides how much credit to award for AP scores.  Credit can range from 3 hours to 15 hours of college credit, depending on the test and score.   More information can be found at the AP College Board website. 

What is the YPS AP Policy?

  •  Any student in the Yukon Public School District has the opportunity to enroll in Pre-AP and AP courses.
  • Once enrolled in a Pre-AP or AP course the student is expected to remain in that course for the school year.
  • Students may drop Pre-AP or AP courses by making a request to their counselors after enrollment but before the end of the preceding school year.
  • Once the Pre-AP or AP class has begun, students may only drop the class by providing a written request to an appeal committee.  The decision of the committee is final.

For more information, please visit The College Board website.