How is the elimination of APs going for your DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

And many privates still offer APs. If it’s important, go to one of those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

And many of them aren’t legitimate, which is how we know that people are just blindly repeating them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

I will rephrase "not very good". How about "not as useful as an Honors classes at a strong private"? I don't seem the benefit in AP when you can take a better class, get the same GPA boost from honors, and still gain acceptance to a Top 25 college. Also, most elite schools don't allow graduation credit for AP any longer, and you will get the same placement benefit from an Honors course. The talking point is that AP allows you to get credit and graduate sooner when in actuality that is rarely true. n Happy to be debated on that if you have any proof of the opposite.....but I seriously doubt it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

I will rephrase "not very good". How about "not as useful as an Honors classes at a strong private"? I don't seem the benefit in AP when you can take a better class, get the same GPA boost from honors, and still gain acceptance to a Top 25 college. Also, most elite schools don't allow graduation credit for AP any longer, and you will get the same placement benefit from an Honors course. The talking point is that AP allows you to get credit and graduate sooner when in actuality that is rarely true. n Happy to be debated on that if you have any proof of the opposite.....but I seriously doubt it.

Maybe bother to check the college policies with respect to AP coursework before having a strong opinion on the topic. Among HYPSM “elite” colleges Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT give some credit for AP exams, so there goes your theory.

What’s so special about those honor classes at strong privates? You might get a better teacher, more individual support, but that has nothing to do with the curriculum and exam. It’s not like privates will invent new calculus and Physics to teach.

Read the calculus course description at “strong private” Sidwell and the one at college board. They are identical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

I will rephrase "not very good". How about "not as useful as an Honors classes at a strong private"? I don't seem the benefit in AP when you can take a better class, get the same GPA boost from honors, and still gain acceptance to a Top 25 college. Also, most elite schools don't allow graduation credit for AP any longer, and you will get the same placement benefit from an Honors course. The talking point is that AP allows you to get credit and graduate sooner when in actuality that is rarely true. n Happy to be debated on that if you have any proof of the opposite.....but I seriously doubt it.

Maybe bother to check the college policies with respect to AP coursework before having a strong opinion on the topic. Among HYPSM “elite” colleges Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT give some credit for AP exams, so there goes your theory.

What’s so special about those honor classes at strong privates? You might get a better teacher, more individual support, but that has nothing to do with the curriculum and exam. It’s not like privates will invent new calculus and Physics to teach.

Read the calculus course description at “strong private” Sidwell and the one at college board. They are identical.

Focusing on math classes, specifically calculus, when debating this is pretty dumb. AP probably benefits public school kids the most, who may be trying to save money by getting college credits cheaper and are not necessarily going to attend a good college anyway.

For private school kids, the benefits of AP credits are generally less. They usually are looking for a 4 year college experience.

Using AP credits at a top college, to skip valuable classroom instruction, makes less sense. The idea that a second major or an unnecessary masters degree, made possible by AP credits, are worth getting is highly questionable.

[Anonymous]

^ if they are identical between the local
Public and Sidwell (and that is generous) then what is the academic benefit of doing the AP? And I challenge you to find anyone who graduated HYP early because they took AP. Do you work for the college board or something? Otherwise I’m not sure why you are so defensive of AP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

I will rephrase "not very good". How about "not as useful as an Honors classes at a strong private"? I don't seem the benefit in AP when you can take a better class, get the same GPA boost from honors, and still gain acceptance to a Top 25 college. Also, most elite schools don't allow graduation credit for AP any longer, and you will get the same placement benefit from an Honors course. The talking point is that AP allows you to get credit and graduate sooner when in actuality that is rarely true. n Happy to be debated on that if you have any proof of the opposite.....but I seriously doubt it.

Maybe bother to check the college policies with respect to AP coursework before having a strong opinion on the topic. Among HYPSM “elite” colleges Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT give some credit for AP exams, so there goes your theory.

What’s so special about those honor classes at strong privates? You might get a better teacher, more individual support, but that has nothing to do with the curriculum and exam. It’s not like privates will invent new calculus and Physics to teach.

Read the calculus course description at “strong private” Sidwell and the one at college board. They are identical.

I also just fact checked your claim on the HYPSM schools and only one of them give credit for AP beyond placement....which you can get without having to pay for the stamp of approval from the College Board. The one school (Yale) also has disclaimers on how the credit is applied, and it will amost certainly not be helpful in graduating early.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

I will rephrase "not very good". How about "not as useful as an Honors classes at a strong private"? I don't seem the benefit in AP when you can take a better class, get the same GPA boost from honors, and still gain acceptance to a Top 25 college. Also, most elite schools don't allow graduation credit for AP any longer, and you will get the same placement benefit from an Honors course. The talking point is that AP allows you to get credit and graduate sooner when in actuality that is rarely true. n Happy to be debated on that if you have any proof of the opposite.....but I seriously doubt it.

Maybe bother to check the college policies with respect to AP coursework before having a strong opinion on the topic. Among HYPSM “elite” colleges Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT give some credit for AP exams, so there goes your theory.

What’s so special about those honor classes at strong privates? You might get a better teacher, more individual support, but that has nothing to do with the curriculum and exam. It’s not like privates will invent new calculus and Physics to teach.

Read the calculus course description at “strong private” Sidwell and the one at college board. They are identical.

I also just fact checked your claim on the HYPSM schools and only one of them give credit for AP beyond placement....which you can get without having to pay for the stamp of approval from the College Board. The one school (Yale) also has disclaimers on how the credit is applied, and it will amost certainly not be helpful in graduating early.

DP. Your fact checking skills need work. Stanford and MIT both also give credit for certain APs.

You can count on two hands how many schools don’t offer credit for APs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AP classes are like a McDonalds happy meal. They even throw in a little toy, college credit. However, if you really care you can do much better for your kids.

I’ll give you the fact that AP classes have shortcomings, but let’s be honest here, it’s not like private classes are that much better.

Lower division major classes are a commodity, Calculus 1 for example is pretty much the same at many universities, they’ll use the same textbooks.

In what way is private school calculus better than the AP or community college version? It’s not, if anything the community college class is the most rigorous among them.

There are other legitimate reasons to go to a private school, but rigor of classes over AP is not one of them.

College credit and placement is definitely nice to have.

Rigor of coursework is one of the top reasons to choose private schools.

The grade inflation at public schools has rendered their grades meaningless and an unweighted 4.0 GPA is the norm.

Being graded beyond multiple choice exams, such as meaningful regular feedback on writing, or complex mathematics problem solving, is a good example of what a huge difference there is.

The reason for multiple choices are testing a large number of concepts going through the entire curriculum . It’s done not only for AP but also professional testing, MCAT, LSAT, GRE. It’s not like the five teachers at the math department at some high school figured out how to design a test better than the staff at a billion dollar company.

Let’s be real with complex mathematics problem solving. Give some specifics if you have. AP
Exams are well thought out.

AP exams are a joke. You can get a 5 and still be completely unprepared for the college class it was supposed to overlap with.

AP wants to sell their program to the largest audience possible, to maximize profits. Their standards are extremely low.

Comparing it to MCAT or LSAT makes no sense. Those have much harder grading that actually separates students, like the SAT.

AP results are good enough for MIT and Stanford, but nope, not good enough for you and some private school. C’mon now, let’s not exaggerate.

Curious how you think Calculus at private is that much better than AP Calculus BC. From the syllabus bits I’ve seen on the internet it’s not what you make it seem. Be specific if you can instead of generalities.

Challenging students to go far beyond the AP curriculum, mirroring what an T30 college would provide, and offering multiple math classes beyond multi variable calculus, is the expectation at a decent private.

The multivariable and beyond at privates are nowhere close to what’s taught at top 30. That’s not why students go to privates. It’s great the advance classes exists, but there won’t be any college credit earned. That’s assuming these classes are offered, not always the case.

If you’re really after credit go through community college or 4 year universities for dual enrollment. Usually publics have agreements, while privates don’t, but that’s not a problem, the additional cost is not prohibitive.

Plus many of them don’t even offer beyond multivariable, because they view acceleration negatively.

These people will repeat any talking point they hear from their schools.

Some of these talking points are legitimate so dismissing it by calling it just a talking point is lazy.

The arguments for removing APs were just that, talking points. Privates don’t necessarily view acceleration negatively, but it depends on the size of the school, the students attending to have a critical mass for the classes.

The privates are doing just fine without AP classes. Kids can take AP tests if they want. Who really cares?

Yes they can but it’s a huge PIA as it requires prep that would not be required if they just taught the damn AP class…not a fan. Our school switched when we were already 7 years in- too late to change course. But I would have likely chosen different school if the no AP thing had been on the table before my kids got to high school. For us it’s too late.

I agree. Removing the AP classes was just a marketing ploy, so the AP participation and scores would not be easily compared across public and private schools. Most people would not have cared and send the kids to private for different reasons. Now, for any advanced class the student needs to study on their own to prepare for the test format and topics that may be missing. Although some privates explicitly state the class will prepare the student for the AP exam, they are not AP classes so that’s a head scratcher.

I disagree. AP classes are the marketing ploy, and many schools are wisely realizing that the material they cover isn’t very good.

Sure AP classes are a marketing ploy with the tangible benefit of getting college credit.

Pick Calculus or whatever class, what part being covered isn’t very good? At least in math and sciences, the overlap between not very good AP classes and the new “improved”classes is 100%.

You’re just repeating talking points.

I will rephrase "not very good". How about "not as useful as an Honors classes at a strong private"? I don't seem the benefit in AP when you can take a better class, get the same GPA boost from honors, and still gain acceptance to a Top 25 college. Also, most elite schools don't allow graduation credit for AP any longer, and you will get the same placement benefit from an Honors course. The talking point is that AP allows you to get credit and graduate sooner when in actuality that is rarely true. n Happy to be debated on that if you have any proof of the opposite.....but I seriously doubt it.

Maybe bother to check the college policies with respect to AP coursework before having a strong opinion on the topic. Among HYPSM “elite” colleges Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT give some credit for AP exams, so there goes your theory.

What’s so special about those honor classes at strong privates? You might get a better teacher, more individual support, but that has nothing to do with the curriculum and exam. It’s not like privates will invent new calculus and Physics to teach.

Read the calculus course description at “strong private” Sidwell and the one at college board. They are identical.

Focusing on math classes, specifically calculus, when debating this is pretty dumb. AP probably benefits public school kids the most, who may be trying to save money by getting college credits cheaper and are not necessarily going to attend a good college anyway.

For private school kids, the benefits of AP credits are generally less. They usually are looking for a 4 year college experience.

Using AP credits at a top college, to skip valuable classroom instruction, makes less sense. The idea that a second major or an unnecessary masters degree, made possible by AP credits, are worth getting is highly questionable.

If you think getting a second major or an additional masters degree is worthless, you’re laughable.

People focus on calculus because it’s a requirement for the vast majority of majors: business, biomedical, health, engineering, sciences, economics the list goes on. I guess psychology and social sciences are the exception, but it’s not like these lead to amazing career outcomes.

Funny how you went from “no elite colleges give any AP credit” to “the one I checked, does, with restrictions”.

I’ve got nothing against privates, I just don’t like to be bs’ed. Private advanced classes are actually AP classes without having the designation because they want to avoid direct comparison. Students have to take the exam whatever class they take anyways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ if they are identical between the local
Public and Sidwell (and that is generous) then what is the academic benefit of doing the AP? And I challenge you to find anyone who graduated HYP early because they took AP. Do you work for the college board or something? Otherwise I’m not sure why you are so defensive of AP.

The classes are identical meaning they have the same content and standards, they don’t teach different math in privates. But there are other advantages, ie students have a preselected socioeconomic and academic profile, (maybe) better teachers, smaller teacher to student ratio. These are factors that can contribute to the students being successful in the class and matter a lot for writing as an example.

That’s why people pay for privates, not because their calculus also covers multivariable.