Advanced Placement

Questions about AP courses? Please contact  Janel Johnson, Assistant Principal for Instruction.

Why AP?

Stand Out in College Admissions

Deciding to take an AP course lets colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see “AP” on your transcript, they know that what you experienced in a particular class has prepared you well for the challenges of college. Taking AP is a sign that you’re up for the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer.

·         AP Classes @ Irmo High School
·         AP consists of 16 independent courses offered at IHS.
·         Open to all students willing to challenge themselves with college level coursework; some AP classes have prerequisites and      Performance standards in lower level classes.
·         AP promotes open access to students who may excel in only one or two academic disciplines.
·         AP scores are based solely on the AP exam.
·         Any student may take an AP exam; specific courses are taught but are not a prerequisite for the exams; IB students may take    AP exams (for a fee).
·         AP exams are developed by a national development committee in conjunction with experts from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Exams are administered locally and shipped to ETS for scoring.
·         AP teachers work independently or within their discipline to support students.
·         AP classes move at a rapid pace, surveying a broad spectrum of a particular discipline, similar to college entry-level survey       classes.
·         Many AP classes require a significant amount of reading and higher level thinking skills.
·         AP students may form peer groups within individual classes or disciplines, but this is not a goal of the program.
·         AP recognizes high achievement on AP exams through the AP Scholars program.

Skip Introductory Classes 

If you already know your preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam can help you advance and avoid required introductory courses – so you can move directly into upper-level classes and focus on the work that interests you most. 

Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to your major – whether or not you know what you want to major in – can place you beyond your college’s general education requirements. This opens up additional time on your schedule, enabling you to do a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue additional interests.

Build College Skills

Taking an AP course builds the skills you'll need throughout your college years. You give your mind a rigorous workout while polishing up your time management and study skills. You also get better at handling challenging issues and problems, with the support of your AP teachers. AP courses let you know what to expect during the next phase of your educational journey, and help you build the confidence to succeed.

AP TEST RESULTS, FOR TESTS TAKEN IN MAY, ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE THE FOLLOWING JULY

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