Advanced Placement

Dunlap High School offers 8 Advanced Placement courses providing students the opportunity to pursue college level studies while still in high school.  Through this program, they may earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for college.

Student Benefits

*Students study in greater depth.  
Students who take AP courses learn a subject in greater depth, develop analytical reasoning skills, and form disciplined study habits that can contribute to continued success at the college level.  Because the AP teachers at Dunlap High School teach other courses and work as curriculum team members, the AP Program strengthens our entire curriculum.

*97% of Dunlap students attend college.
Taking an AP course gives students a college experience while still experiencing the intense high school support structure.

*Students improve their chances of being accepted by the college of their choice.
College admissions personnel view AP experience as one indicator of future success at the college level.  As college admissions become more selective, participation in an AP course is a great advantage.

*Students are often exempted from introductory courses at college.
Most colleges and universities in the United States, as well as colleges and universities in 24 other countries, accept AP grades.  Course exemption gives students time to broaden their college experience by exploring additional subject areas, participating in internships, and studying abroad.

*Students may be granted sophomore standing.
Students earning satisfactory grades on enough AP exams may be granted a full year's credit by their college or university.

*What does it cost?
The fee for  AP exams is set by the College Board.  The fee for the 2007-2008 is $84 for each exam.  Although it is not required, most Dunlap students take the AP exam at the end of the course.

*Who creates the AP exams?
AP Course Descriptions and AP Exams are prepared by College Board Development Committees comprised of college and university faculty and experienced AP teachers form around the world.  These committees are assisted by content experts form Educational Testing Service (ETS).  Each year the Development Committees set specifications and develop new versions of the exams.

*Exam Format
The exams are given at Dunlap according to the College Board guidelines.  All AP exams contain an essay or problem-solving section as well as a multiple choice section.   Foreign language and music theory exams also include listening and speaking portions.  Studio Art exams are based on a portfolio.  Exams range from two to three hours in length.

*How are the Exams Graded?
The multiple-choice section of the exam is scored by computer.  The free-response booklets are evaluated by faculty consultants comprised of selected college professors and AP teachers.