The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and the colleges and universities. It allows high school students to undertake college-level academic learning in AP courses, and gives them the opportunity to show that they have mastered the advanced material by taking AP exams. Students can receive credit, advanced placement, or both from thousands of colleges and universities that participate in the Advanced Placement Program.

The AP Program has been administered since 1955 by the College Board. As in other College Board programs, AP procedures are determined by representatives of member institutions (public and independent schools, colleges, and universities). AP’s operational services are provided by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Currently 33 AP Examinations in 19 academic disciplines are administered each May. Approximately 13,000 high schools in the United States, Canada and overseas teach AP courses and offer the annual examinations. About 3,000 colleges and universities grant credit and advanced placement to entering students whose AP grades meet their requirements (Source: collegeboard.com December, 2000).

Yes. Boulder High offers an AP diploma to students who meet diploma criteria. Any such students will be awarded the diploma at their graduation ceremony.

This program is intended to encourage students traditionally under-represented in AP courses to commit to a rigorous course of study for their high school years.

Diploma Requirements:

1. Students must take five year-long AP courses (or the equivalent) in four subject areas. The subject areas are Music, Computer Science, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and World Language.
2. Students must complete these five AP courses with no grade lower than a B.
3. Students must take the AP test in each AP course that counts as a subject area requirement.
4. Students must submit an application for the Boulder High AP Diploma in the year in which they intend to graduate. Applications are available in the counseling office mid-April.

The AP Scholar Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through AP courses and exam grades. AP Scholar Awards are given to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on at least three full-year AP exams, or the equivalent. AP Scholar with Honor Awards are bestowed on students who receive grades of 3 or higher on at least four full-year AP exams, or the equivalent, and have an average exam grade of at least 3.25. AP Scholar with Distinction Awards are for students who receive grades of 3 or higher on at least five full-year AP exams or the equivalent, with an average exam grade of 3.5 (Source: A Secondary School Guide to the Advanced Placement Program, 1996). BHS Total AP Scholars by Year:

1996-----28
1997-----38
1998-----31
1999-----57
2000-----68
2001-----73
2002-----89
2003-----105

Students in AP courses learn as much or more than students taking the same courses in college, so students who do well in AP should receive college credit. When the evidence of that achievement is a satisfactory grade on a rigorous national examination, the case for credit is even stronger. Many colleges and universities give credit to students transferring from other colleges, usually crediting courses in which students have a grade of C or better. An AP grade of 3 or higher is better validated and probably represents a higher standard than these transfer grades.

The Advanced Placement Program meets strict credit/placement criteria of selective colleges and universities on the basis of rigorous national examinations. The evidence of AP students’ achievement is not only a teacher’s grade, but also the results on a carefully designed national examination. AP exams are prepared by committees of college faculty and AP teachers, and are graded by other college and AP teachers, who ensure that the content and skills that are required reflect college-level achievement (Source: A Secondary School Guide to the Advanced Placement Program, 1996).

AP Grade Reports are sent in July to each student’s home, high school, and any college(s) designated by the student. At the time of the exam, students can indicate on their answer sheet if they would like a college to receive their grade. After the exam, they can write to the AP Program and request that the grade be sent to other colleges as well. Students may also cancel or withhold a grade by contacting the AP Program by June 15 of the testing year (Source: Facts about the AP Program, 2000).