Advanced Placement (AP) exposes high school students to college-level courses. Students are able to take an AP exam which would potentially grant them college credit for the course. A score of at least 3 out of 5 guarantees some college credit at Ohio public institutions of higher learning.
GHS offers the following AP courses:
- AP American Government
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Computer Science
- AP English Language (American Literature - English 11)
- AP English Literature (British Literature - English 12)
- AP Environmental Science
- AP French
- AP Latin
- AP Music Theory
- AP Physics
- AP Psychology
- AP Spanish
- AP Statistics
- AP United States History
- AP World History
For more information about the tests, reviewing for the tests, and scoring go to the CollegeBoard's website.
Sign-ups and payment for AP testing occur in August and September, and the testing takes place in May. Reminders and instructions for sign-ups will be on the announcements as those important times draw close.
Common AP Questions & Answers
Q: What's so good about AP?
A: Advanced placement:
- Gives you an edge on your college application.
- Saves you money on college tuition.
- Helps you develop your potential in the classroom and beyond.
- Helps you build good study habits.
- Helps you improve your writing skills.
- Helps you shape your goals.
- Challenges you, but also makes you realize you can excel if you put your mind to it.
Q: How will I know if I am prepared for an AP course?
A: Before signing up, have a good idea of whether you can handle the extra work. AP classes move rapidly and cover lots of ground. Your record of accomplishment in other courses will provide a guideline for gauging your AP potential. "If you're strong in a particular subject, then don't be afraid, go ahead," an AP student advised, "because you can rely on your background skills to perform well in an AP class."
Q: How many AP courses should I take?
A: Let common sense be your guide. Take the number of AP courses you think you can handle. Remember: AP homework is more demanding. "An AP class maybe won't give you an hour of busywork," an AP student said. "The AP teacher will expect you to spend that hour thinking instead---on top of the time you need to complete the assignment."
Q: How much college credit can I earn based on my scores?
A: Advanced Placement (AP) guarantees transfer credit to ease the transition from high school to college, as well as between and among Ohio’s public colleges and universities. AP courses allow student who earn minimum required exam scores, equivalent transfer course credit to assist with program completion requirements.
What You Need to Know
- Students who obtain an AP exam score of 3 or above will be awarded the aligned courses(s) and credits for the AP exam area(s) successfully completed.
- General education courses and credits received will be applied towards graduation and will satisfy a general education requirement if the courses(s) to which the AP area is equivalent fulfill a requirement.
- If an equivalent course is not available for the AP exam area completed, elective or area credit will be awarded in the appropriate academic discipline and will be applied towards graduation where such elective credit options exist within the academic major.
- Additional course or credits may be available when a score of 4 or 5 is obtained by students. Award of credit for higher score values vary depending on the institution and academic discipline.
- In academic disciplines containing highly dependent sequences (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- SEM) students are strongly advised to confer with the college/university advising staff to ensure they have the appropriate foundation to be successful in advanced coursework within the sequence.