Frequently Asked Questions:
What exactly is an AP class?
An AP class is one class that you take for both semesters. AP stands for advanced placement, so students who enroll in AP classes are ready for a challenge beyond what Honors classes can give them. The purpose of an AP class is to mimic the rigor of a four-year college and teach students the specific skills necessary for them to succeed in college. When colleges see that students enrolled in AP classes, they are impressed that the student took the highest academic rigor the high school is able to offer, and are assured that the student will be able to handle college work.
Can I play sports and be in the AP Academy?
Yes. Many of our AP Academy students play one or more of the team sports the school offers. We can also accommodate classes, such as weight training, to support you in this.
Is it really possible for me to be involved in programs like Art, Chorus, Band, or JROTC and also be in the AP Academy?
Yes. In fact, we encourage you to pursue the classes that are directly related to your interests. Knowing that colleges are attracted to well-rounded students, we have designed the program to accommodate student interests on an individual basis. One of the great things about starting AP classes your freshman year is that you can spread them out enough where you don't have to make a choice between AP and your talent.
An AP class is one class that you take for both semesters. AP stands for advanced placement, so students who enroll in AP classes are ready for a challenge beyond what Honors classes can give them. The purpose of an AP class is to mimic the rigor of a four-year college and teach students the specific skills necessary for them to succeed in college. When colleges see that students enrolled in AP classes, they are impressed that the student took the highest academic rigor the high school is able to offer, and are assured that the student will be able to handle college work.
Can I play sports and be in the AP Academy?
Yes. Many of our AP Academy students play one or more of the team sports the school offers. We can also accommodate classes, such as weight training, to support you in this.
Is it really possible for me to be involved in programs like Art, Chorus, Band, or JROTC and also be in the AP Academy?
Yes. In fact, we encourage you to pursue the classes that are directly related to your interests. Knowing that colleges are attracted to well-rounded students, we have designed the program to accommodate student interests on an individual basis. One of the great things about starting AP classes your freshman year is that you can spread them out enough where you don't have to make a choice between AP and your talent.
Do you have to be good at EVERY subject to get in?
We look at the whole student when reviewing applications. You should want to be successful at school and be willing to work hard - but we do take into consideration more than test scores and/or grades. Teacher references carry a lot of weight. If there is a concern about being successful in a college-level AP class your freshman year, students can take "pre-AP" classes freshman year and see how things go. These conversations happen on an individual basis with each accepted AP Academy student.
Is it hard? Is it a lot of work?
The purpose of the AP Academy is to challenge you and prepare you for college. With that being said, there is a team of support behind each student to make sure things are not overwhelming. The skills that you will learn in an AP class are far beyond what you are able to learn in an Honors class. Students experience these challenges and learn specific skills while they are in high school, so that when they enter college, they are used to excelling in that academic environment while other freshmen without that experience are struggling with the college transition. The overwhelming message from WIHS AP Academy graduates who are now in college is that "it is worth it".
There are so many options for high school students today. Are AP classes the best option for me?
Click here for relevant research pertaining to AP curriculum
College Credits
AP and Community College courses
How do AP credits work? Are they transferable to all 4 year colleges?
When you take an Advanced Placement classes, you take an exam for that class in May. Typically, if you earn a 3 or higher, you will be able to get 3 credits from the college you attend, while some classes can actually earn you up to 8 college credits for a high score (sciences and math). Different colleges accept different scores though, so you should always double check. The AP test used to cost money, but for the last 2 years, the state of NC has been taking care of the cost, so that it is free to students. Also, college admissions prefer to see the rigor of a schedule/transcript with AP classes in it, because it shows them that the student can handle the rigor of their college. Private and public universities across the country accept AP test scores for credit.
Are community college credits transferable to all 4 year colleges?
Community college credits are only guaranteed at public universities in the state that you take them but even then, they do not always transfer over as you expect. It is very important that you check with college admissions offices of colleges you are interested in to understand how they handle community college classes. For instance, many private colleges like Duke and Furman do not accept community college credits as transfer credits, so it is very important to check!
When you take an Advanced Placement classes, you take an exam for that class in May. Typically, if you earn a 3 or higher, you will be able to get 3 credits from the college you attend, while some classes can actually earn you up to 8 college credits for a high score (sciences and math). Different colleges accept different scores though, so you should always double check. The AP test used to cost money, but for the last 2 years, the state of NC has been taking care of the cost, so that it is free to students. Also, college admissions prefer to see the rigor of a schedule/transcript with AP classes in it, because it shows them that the student can handle the rigor of their college. Private and public universities across the country accept AP test scores for credit.
Are community college credits transferable to all 4 year colleges?
Community college credits are only guaranteed at public universities in the state that you take them but even then, they do not always transfer over as you expect. It is very important that you check with college admissions offices of colleges you are interested in to understand how they handle community college classes. For instance, many private colleges like Duke and Furman do not accept community college credits as transfer credits, so it is very important to check!
How many college credits can I earn through the AP Academy?
If you meet the minimum requirements of the AP Academy, you can earn up to 30 credit hours, but you can take more AP & Mitchell classes to maximize the number of credits that you earn while in the Academy. So, the total number of credits will be up to you!
Will I get a special diploma or special distinction for graduating from the AP Academy?
There is a special recognition for WIHS AP Academy students (7 passed AP/Mitchell classes and 40 service hours) at graduation. Students who are AP Capstone Diploma and AP Capstone Certificate candidates will receive recognition at our senior awards ceremony, as well as a special award they will be given directly from College Board.
For what colleges will I be a competitive applicant?
The short answer is: any college. Our program has all of the important aspects of any college application to ensure that our students will be competitive applicants no matter where they want to go. This program will help with merit-based scholarships as well, since they will be equally as competitive for those.
If you meet the minimum requirements of the AP Academy, you can earn up to 30 credit hours, but you can take more AP & Mitchell classes to maximize the number of credits that you earn while in the Academy. So, the total number of credits will be up to you!
Will I get a special diploma or special distinction for graduating from the AP Academy?
There is a special recognition for WIHS AP Academy students (7 passed AP/Mitchell classes and 40 service hours) at graduation. Students who are AP Capstone Diploma and AP Capstone Certificate candidates will receive recognition at our senior awards ceremony, as well as a special award they will be given directly from College Board.
For what colleges will I be a competitive applicant?
The short answer is: any college. Our program has all of the important aspects of any college application to ensure that our students will be competitive applicants no matter where they want to go. This program will help with merit-based scholarships as well, since they will be equally as competitive for those.
Examples of an ap academy student schedule
examples are reflections of real Academy students in 2018-19
Student 1 is on an athletic team at West, is in two service-oriented clubs, and is interested in becoming a Nurse. She takes Nursing Fundamentals at CATS for two blocks where she can obtain her CNA before she graduates high school. She is taking AP Calculus, English, History, an elective class called Forensic Science, and a Mitchell class that meets at West High. Her Mitchell class is a combination of community college Psychology and Sociology and it only meets on Monday and Wednesday. Since she has that class fourth block, she gets to go home after third block three days a week. From this year alone (senior year), she has the potential to earn the credit for three college classes and obtain her CNA.
Student 2 has taken JROTC and/or elective classes every year so far, and is also on an athletic team. She is taking 3 AP classes this year, one of which is two classes in one. AP English Language is paired with AP Research which means that she is getting two AP classes with one, year-long block. If she gains credit for each of her AP classes, she will have 4 less college classes to take from this year alone, and she is only a junior.
Student 3 is a freshman who is on the football team and is interested in becoming an Engineer. He is taking an entry-level Engineering class this year (Drafting 1) and Agricultural Mechanics where he will be exposed to welding, metal working, and wood working. He is also taking Spanish 2, Health/PE, and his core classes in Science, English, Math, and History. He is excited to progress with his Engineering pathway in high school and take Engineering 2 and 3, Architecture 2 and 3, AP Calculus, possibly some advanced manufacturing courses, and other classes that are directly related to his college plans.
Student 4 is a sophomore and is enrolled in her second AP class so far. She is in the marching band, involved with the theatre department, and is unsure what she wants to study in college. With some self-exploration activities, she identified two potential interests- culinary arts and health science. She is taking both Health Science 1 Honors and Foods and Nutrition in order to help her explore whether or not either field feels like a good fit for her and if she wants to move forward with either path. She knows no matter what she decides to study, the experiences she is gaining in the Capstone program will set her up for success in a college setting.