Reply to New College Focus on AP Tests and GDS

Forum Index » College and University Discussion

Reply to "New College Focus on AP Tests and GDS"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]Here's the GDS email - sent AUGUST 25 2023. With zero heads up - not even saying this would be a change for 2025.

+ + +

Dear High School families,
 
We are writing to you regarding Advanced Placement (AP) tests. Since 2018, GDS has implemented a High School curriculum that allows teachers to develop Upper Level (UL)  courses that engage students deeply in college-level coursework without the restrictions of the College Board’s AP curriculum. UL courses represent the most advanced classes at GDS, and our college and university admissions colleagues understand these offerings well. Our curriculum no longer includes AP courses, and UL courses are not designed to follow the AP curriculum or to prepare students to take AP tests. In light of this, beginning this year, GDS will no longer administer AP tests on our campus. Over the last year, our team has been in conversation with dozens of college admissions offices from small liberal arts colleges to large flagship state institutions. In each of these conversations, we have confirmed what we shared with families when GDS moved away from AP courses: For college admissions, there is no advantage to taking AP tests if you attend a high school that does not offer that coursework.

Students who wish to independently prepare for and take AP tests (to earn college credits or to support applications to overseas universities) may still do so. The College Board provides a comprehensive listing of locations where students may sit for tests if the tests are not offered at their home institution. For those students who plan to study for and take AP tests, we encourage you to begin the registration process in September as test ordering deadlines are typically in early fall. Students receiving financial aid will still receive support from GDS and should contact the College Counseling Office for more information.

Please feel free to connect with any member of the College Counseling team if you have questions about the role of AP testing in the admissions process. We are happy to help you think through your choice and determine whether the work required to study for and take an AP test is worthwhile for your goals. In most cases, it is best not to add this work onto an already full plate as it has no impact on the admissions process at any US institution.

[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics