AP English

Dear Parents,

Advanced Placement (AP) is the name given to a program of college-level courses offered to high-achieving students in secondary schools.  With a qualifying score, a student may apply AP credits toward his or her undergraduate degree at most colleges and universities.  While this fact alone can save the student and parents a few to several thousands of dollars in tuition, it is not the only value.  Students who take AP exams are also sending important signals to the college admissions counselors who evaluate their transcripts.  AP classes indicate a student's ambitions in relation to a specific discipline as well as their studies in general.  Students may be able to skip over introductory courses in order to focus more intently in an area of personal interest.  Moreover, with the more challenging experience of an AP curriculum, a student will likely achieve a higher score on an SAT subject test. 

While AP classes are still quite new to The Montfort Academy, we have already distinguished ourselves in English Language & Composition, taught this past year by Mrs. Pilsner.  Two of this year's seniors and eight juniors elected to take to the AP exam, and - to put it bluntly - we blew away the competition!

But first, please allow me to explain the scoring system.  As many of you know, the AP Program scores students on a scale of 1 through 5.  Unlike the Regents exams, the AP exams are graded by an outside service.  The values are described as follows:

5 = extremely well qualified (to receive college credit)
4 = well qualified
3 = qualified
2 = possibly qualified
1 = no recommendation

Roughly speaking, 5-1 corresponds to the college letter grades of A, B, C, D, F.  Most colleges will offer credits for a 4 or 5.  Fewer (but still many) will offer credit for a 3.  The average AP score of all test-takers nationally for most exams is slightly below a 3.

Based on the available statistics of 2010, the average of 346,774 English Language & Composition test-takers was a 2.82. 

Now the drum-roll please...

We are hereby proud to announce that, on the English Language & Composition exam of 2011, every student earned at least a score of 3, two of our students earned the top score of 5, and the average score was a stunning 4 !!!

Besides the college credit available to these students, the AP scores demonstrate a remarkable accomplishment for our school.  It means that, right out of the starting gate, our students have proven the academic quality and effectiveness of a Montfort education in this essential subject on the national level. 

To those who braved the class and the exam, we wish you a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS!!!


Sincerely,
John Pilsner

Learn More About the AP Program
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

AP Credit Policy Information
The College Board web site can assist you in learning the AP credit policies of most colleges.  You can search alphabetically or enter the name of the college in a search box.  http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp