Advanced Placement: What is it?
Guilford County Schools (GCS) invites high school students
to discover their potential through Advanced Placement (AP®) Advanced
courses. AP is a voluntary program that offers students the
opportunity to take and earn college credit for college-level
courses while still in high school. Placement
AP courses provide students with the opportunity to prepare for
college success through a rigorous classroom experience in high school.
AP exams determine whether students meet a standard of learning
equivalent to an early college-level course.
AP exams are assessed on a scale of one to five, with three meaning,
“qualified.” However, individual colleges and universities establish their
own policies for granting credit. Those policies are available through the
College Board’s Web site at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/
colleges/setting_policy/34487.html.
Guilford County Schools
Office of Advanced Learning
120 Franklin Boulevard
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-370-2316
www.gcsnc.com
In compliance with federal laws, Guilford County Schools administers all educational programs, employment
activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color,
age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Refer
to the Board of Education’s Discrimination Free Environment Policy AC for a complete statement. Inquiries
or complaints should be directed to the Guilford County Schools Compliance Officer, 120 Franklin Blvd.,
Greensboro, NC 27401; 336.370.2323.
AP Courses and Exams
Available in GCS High Schools:
(Note: Not ALL courses are available at ALL schools.
Please contact your school for additional course listings.)
Art History U.S. Government and Politics
Biology European History “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” —Oprah Winfrey
Calculus AB U.S. History
Calculus BC World History WHY CHOOSE AP COURSES? IT’S COOL TO BE SMART
Chemistry Human Geography Students can discover their true potential by seizing the “Every summer, there is a fabulous moment at the Greensboro,
opportunity to take AP courses. Courses provide a stimulating N.C., ‘Cool to Be Smart’ celebration, for students who have
Music Theory Chinese Language and Culture alternative to the familiar high school routine. Students build passed five or more Advanced Placement exams – the moment
Macroeconomics Latin Literature success in the AP program through determination, working when one of them selects a lucky key and wins a new car and
hard, thinking freely and accepting academic challenge. balloons cascade from the ceiling.” – The New York Times,
Microeconomics Latin: Vergil January 8, 2006
English Language and Composition Physics B Courses taken during high school can be an important factor
for colleges and universities in the application process. Schools The Crown Automotive Cool to Be Smart Celebration gives
English Literature and Composition Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism want to accept students who choose demanding courses students who earn a score of three or higher on five or more
Environmental Science Physics C: Mechanics while in high school, and AP courses on a transcript can help AP exams while in high school a chance to win scholarships,
demonstrate a student’s desire to learn. laptops and a new car. These students also receive an AP/IB
French Language Psychology
Distinguished Scholars Diploma.
Spanish Language Statistics The experience of taking college-level courses in high school
can also help a student be more prepared for difficult courses
Spanish Literature Studio Art (Drawing Portfolio) GCS ADVANCED PLACEMENT POLICIES
once they enter college. Taking AP courses now allows the
German Language Studio Art (2-D Design Portfolio) student to get a head start on college while having a support · AP courses are weighted on a six-point scale for
Comparative Government and Politics Studio Art (3-D Design Portfolio) system nearby. calculating GPA.
· All students enrolled in an AP course must take the AP exam.
IS AP RIGHT FOR YOU? · GCS covers the cost of AP exam fees for all students.
“There are no secrets to success: don’t waste AP is open to any student from any background, not just
straight-A students or the “overly studious,” but it may not High school counselors can help students decide which AP
time looking for them. Success is the result of be right for everyone. AP is the right choice if a student has a
healthy curiosity about a subject and is willing to work hard.
courses are right for them by using PSAT scores, as well as
student interest, motivation and post-secondary plans.
perfection, hard work, learning from failure . . . Students who enjoy an academic challenge and want to learn
and persistence.” —Colin Powell alongside classmates who are enthusiastic about learning and
growing should consider enrolling in an AP course.