Advanced Placement Courses Prepare Liberty Students for College
Since its inception in 1900, the College Board has set its goal to ensure every student has the opportunity to prepare for, enroll in, and graduate from college.
Part of preparation includes its Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses that are offered at Liberty.
“The Pre-AP and AP standards and rigor keep the academic expectations high for all students at Liberty,” said Ed Cook, Upper School principal.
More than a fourth of the eligible student body is taking AP classes, and the benefits of taking AP classes far outweighs the extra workload.
AP classes at Liberty are offered in English, U.S. History, Government, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer, and Art.
Choosing AP classes can set students apart, giving them a head start on their future.
“AP classes allow students to learn at a higher level,” said Academic Advisor Toni King. “Most AP classes are taught like a college course. Students like to take AP classes to receive credit for the advanced work they have been doing by taking AP exams and receiving a successful grade of three or higher.”
Each AP course concludes with a standardized exam scored by college professors and AP teachers, giving students an opportunity to receive credit for college courses and advanced placement upon entering college.
By entering college with AP credits, students have the opportunity to move into upper-level courses in their field of interest more quickly, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
Liberty’s academic counselors recommend students take one or two AP classes per semester based on the students’ aptitude, passion, and interest.
“AP classes challenge us in the subjects where we already excel,” said Austin Hudelson, senior and National Merit Commended Scholar.
“After dedicating myself to an AP class and studying for the exam, I gained college credit, so I already have a head start in college,” he said. “It was worth taking the AP classes even when I did not score as well on the AP exams. When I take these classes in college, I will already know much of the material.”
AP classes are hard work, but it is work that pays off.
“I recommend AP classes because it provides challenging coursework and gives us a taste of what college classes will be like,” said Mitchell Heffington, senior.
Hudelson added, “In AP we go more in depth so that I can understand how these lessons apply to our world. Most importantly, I have gained insight into what career path I will choose for my future.”
In addition to helping students find their career interests, the courses help improve students’ writing skills, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and develop better study habits – skills that are vital to their success in college.
Senior Josh McAlister said, “AP classes have taught me to think critically through a variety of papers and other AP exercises. I’ve learned how to dig for information, detect and interpret an author’s points, and present ideas and thoughts clearly. AP courses have also taught me to communicate effectively.”
Senior Lindsey Grigg added, “I have learned how to think on a deeper level in my AP classes. I have also improved my reading comprehension and time management skills. In addition, AP classes have taught me how to be a good writer and learn more effective ways to study.”
The College Board wants students to notice the difference as soon as they walk into an AP classroom – in the teacher’s approach to the subject, in the attitude of their classmates, and in the way they begin to think. The board wants these AP classes to be a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence.
AP teachers at Liberty receive additional training and attend AP conferences, and their classes are audited yearly to ensure the classes are meeting the guidelines set forth by the College Board.
“We regularly send our Pre-AP and AP teachers to conferences to receive fresh ideas, learn preparation strategies for the AP exams, and get reinvigorated in their subject matter,” said Cook. “Some of the best high school and college instructors present on a wide variety of topics at these conferences. It is a very rewarding time for our teachers.
“Since our Pre-AP and AP teachers also instruct our regular classes, they are sharing their ideas and inspiration with all students at Liberty, which helps keep the rigor in all of our classes.”