Advanced Academics
What are AP Courses?Advanced Placement (AP) courses are courses that meet a prescribed syllabus developed by the College Board. According to the College Board, the AP Program "provides willing and academically prepared high school students the opportunity to study and learn at the college level...AP Courses culminate in college-level exams developed and scored by college and university faculty." AP exams are scored on the following scale of 1-5:1=no recommendation Colleges typically consider AP courses favorably when making admissions decisions. In addition, based on each college's policy, students can earn:* Actual college credit for high AP scores - increasingly, colleges require a score of "4" or "5" to receive full credit. What AP exams does Mater Bay Academy (MBA) offer?AP Biology What are the "Pre-administration Sessions" that are mentioned on the information sheet?Pre-administration sessions will be scheduled times for students to complete the majority of the demographic information/bubbling on their answer sheets in advance, saving 30-45 minutes on test day. Students enrolled in an AP US History or AP Government class will complete their pre-administration during a class period. All other students will be required to attend a pre-administration session. Detailed information will be shared as we get closer to the testing window. What should I bring to the exam room?Several No. 2 pencils and pens with blue or black ink, a calculator (if applicable), and an eraser. Please see AP Exam Central for more information on regulations. It is the students responsibility to know what materials are required for your exam. What is prohibited from the exam room?No cell phones/smartphones, smartwatches, electronic devices, highlighters, or books are allowed in the testing rooms. How do I know where to report for my exam?An AP Exam testing schedule with assigned rooms will be posted in building A windows prior to the exam date and during the exam window. Please ask your AP teacher if you do not know where to report or you don't find your name on the posted locator. When do I need to report to the testing room?Speak to your AP Teachers for details. What if I'm late to the test session?Due to test security restrictions, students will not be permitted to the testing room once the remaining bubbling sections are complete. Late arrivals who are not admitted to the testing rooms are considered "no shows" and are not eligible for make ups. A test restocking fee will apply to these students. How do I know on which day my exam is scheduled?The AP Exam calendar can be found on the College Board website How long do the exams last?On average, exam administrations last between 4-4.5 hours. Students taking afternoon tests will need to make arrangements for transportation, as dismissal from exam is after regular dismissal times. Students approved for extended time accommodations will have longer testing sessions. What if I have more than one exam for the same day and same time?College Board makes provisions for students who wish to register to take two exams that are scheduled at the same time and date. Please see Mrs. Benavente or Ms. Perez, if this is your case. What if I have two exams scheduled on the same day (but not the same time)?You will take the exams back to back (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). You will be provided with a short lunch break between exams. What happens if I finish my exam before time is called? Can I leave before the end of the session?Under no circumstance will a student be permitted to leave an AP exam early (even for work, sports, etc.). This policy is per College Board's security regulations and holds true even if all students in a testing room are done before time is called. How can I practice for the AP Exams?Students can review released free-response questions at www.collegeboard.org/apstudents to become familiar with AP Exam type questions and testing format. It is also highly recommended to meet with your teacher regularly. Additionally, students are required to participate in AP Mock Tests and in teacher led tutoring sessions. If I don't get a good score on an AP Exam, will it hurt my chances for college admission?If you take an examination as a senior, colleges will not receive your grade before July--after you have already been admitted. If you choose to report AP scores/grade obtained during grades 9-11, you will primarily be telling the colleges that you took challenging curriculum and that you are serious about your academics. |