Rigor Matters

Students are getting the message that the rigor of their high school courses matters.

The College Board administers Advanced Placement tests each spring to high school students. most all of whom enrolled in the corresponding Advanced Placement course in their high school during the school year.

Students who study subjects with the AP curriculum enjoy several benefits. First of all, when admissions personnel review their transcripts, the admissions staff are assured that students have taken the most challenging coursework their high school has to offer. Success in rigorous high school curriculum is the #1 item selective colleges consider in selecting their freshmen class.

Another advantage accrues to students who earn a score of 3 or higher on their AP exam. Many colleges award college credit to students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP test. The range of exam scores is 1-5.

Lastly, a recent report found that success on these AP exams predicts college success, especially freshman to sophomore retention.

Nationally, there's been a 6% increase in the number of public school students who "pass" AP exams and in the state of Minnesota, that increase is 8%. Currently, 16.8% of high school seniors in Minnesota take and score at least a 3 on at least one AP exam.

We're thrilled that students are getting the message that there's value in challenging themselves by taking rigorous courses in high school.