Pre-AP (Meaning, Categories, Pre-AP vs. AP, How to Pass, Factors)

Pre-AP, or Pre-Advanced Placement, is a high school junior class that prepares students for college-level subjects both in high school and in college.

These classes expose students to valuable knowledge that prepares them for college and uncovers them to the course contents they will study in college.

Pre-AP classes are special classes that boost the abilities of high school students and relatively increase their admission chances. Hence, Pre-AP class is seriously recommended for every high school junior.

This article will discuss the categories of Pre-AP classes, the benefits, how to pass AP examinations, and some factors every high school student should consider before choosing a course of study in college.

Table of Contents

What are Pre-AP Classes?

Pre-Advanced Placement classes are educational programs that prepare high score first-year students and sophomores for the difficulties of Advanced Placement classes they wish to take in the future.

This program introduces students to essential university lessons and some high school-level courses they are expected to pass before completing high school.

Pre-Advanced Placement classes equip students with the knowledge that boosts their academic strength in Advanced Placement Courses.

Categories of Pre-AP Classes:

There are two (2) classes, namely, official and Unofficial Pre-AP classes.

Official Pre-AP classes:

Official Pre-AP classes operate using a curriculum authorized by the College Board and are open to high school students at all levels. Also, it is compulsory for all students in schools that adopt it.

Unofficial Pre-AP classes:

Unofficial Pre-AP classes are rigorous classes that expose students to an extensive knowledge of the course than official Pre-AP classes.

Admission into unofficial classes is difficult because aspirants must pass an exam before they join the class.

Differences between Pre-AP Classes and AP Classes

College credits:

Students of Pre-AP classes cannot obtain college credits because Pre-AP classes are taught at the high school level, which may not reflect their abilities at that moment.

On the contrary, Advanced Placement college credits are considered by colleges because the classes are organized at the college level.

Final exams:

Pre-AP class students don’t write final exams at the end of the classes. On the contrary, AP class students end the year by writing a final exam.

Admission:

Attending Pre-AP classes does not increase your chances of gaining admission into college because it uses no exams to measure students’ abilities. However, schools rather consider AP-class exams scores for college admission.

Benefits of enroling in a Pre-AP Class:

Although enrolling in a Pre-AP class may not offer the benefits available for Advanced Placement class students, the following incentives are still available for the class students.

Prepares you for college:

No knowledge is a waste. Hence, enrolling in a pre-advanced placement class in high school will introduce you to important courses you will undertake in college.

Sets you apart:

Possessing the coursework knowledge before the beginning of the class will set you apart from other students and attract the personal attention of lecturers and professors.

Guarantees examination success:

Pre-AP classes boost students’ knowledge in a way that secures examination success as students already have an idea of what to expect.

Things to note about Pre-AP Classes:

Pre-advanced placement is for all:

Official Pre-AP classes offer all students the chance to catch a glimpse of the course contents of AP classes.

State Codes:

The state code of a course in a Pre-AP program differs from school to school. Hence, consult the directory of the school to obtain the correct course codes.

Pre-advanced placement Equity and Access Policy:

This policy guarantees full access to materials for all students no matter their race, tribe, religion, or color.

Comprehensive course content:

Pre-AP classes offer an extensive course load that exposes students to different areas, boosting their higher-class knowledge.

Pre-AP honors:

High schools approve the introduction of pre-advanced placement honours for some courses. However, these honors courses don’t require course codes.

Read this: AP vs. Honors (Meaning, Similarities, Differences, Which is Better)

Assignments:

Pre-AP assignments are organized periodically to assess students and test their understanding.

Learning materials:

As part of the course package, learning materials are provided for Pre-AP students.

End of Course Assessment:

There are no End of Course Assessments (ECA) in pre-AP classes except for courses like English 1, Algebra 2, and Biology.

SAT Performance:

According to a recent survey, students who attend Pre-AP classes hit outstanding scores in external examinations like SAT.

Educational Supports:

In Pre-AP classes, individuals that lack knowledge of the English Language get educational supports. Special students also enjoy these educational supports.

Program price:

High schools that run Pre-AP classes must register with a yearly fee of $3000 per course for English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies courses.

Moreover, four free arts courses are available to schools that buy at least one science course.

Full package:

For $3000, a school will receive learning materials, free course designations, assessment materials, and teachers’ development modules.

Ordering website:

New course orders are placed on the ordering website, and previous orders are evaluated.

Online training:

The College Board organizes free professional and leadership online training for staff of schools that purchase Pre-AP materials.

Online Access:

Pre-AP course materials can be assessed online on mobile phones. However, exams can only be written using laptops or desktops.

Read this: Military or College – Which is better? (College before Military or After)

How to pass Advanced Placement Exams:

Advanced Placement classes are far more difficult than pre-advanced placement classes because AP classes operate at the college level, unlike Pre-AP classes that are available for high school juniors.

Moreover, earning good scores in AP exams is very important because you will receive college credits and strengthen your transcript for admission into college.

Hence, you can earn excellent AP scores by applying the following tips;

Study early:

Don’t wait till the last few months before you begin to study hard for the exams. Rather, months before the exams, draft out a schedule that will reduce leisure time and the time you spend on unproductive tasks.

Organize yourself on time:

Once your school releases the materials for AP exams, be the first person to gather them early. This will give you an idea of the class curriculum and enough time to gather textbooks and other materials that perfectly explain the class topics.

Practice old tests:

Practicing old tests is one of the most effective ways to study. An old test will give you an idea of what to expect in the exams and the adopted format of questions. Also, you will identify your knowledge gaps on time to improve on them.

Join tutorial classes:

If your AP class does not provide sufficient clarity on some topics, seek the services of a tutor immediately. A private tutor provides an opportunity for you to ask good questions and learn difficult topics at your own pace.

Join a study group:

Study groups are effective ways to prepare for AP exams. In a study group, you will exchange ideas with your partners that will boost your performance.

Moreover, you will receive clarity on difficult theories and concepts. Nevertheless, group study works best when there are minimal distractions.

Take periodic breaks:

Don’t try to read from morning to night without taking simple breaks to play games, read a few pages book or take a short nap. Periodic breaks will create a positive impact on your mind and boost the performance of the brain.

Eat healthily:

Don’t eat heavy food at night, and expect to burn the midnight candle. Rather, eat healthy foods that process faster to keep your mind and body refreshed and in the best shape respectively.

Plan well ahead of your exams:

Towards the day of your exams, eliminate every possible thing that will make you miss the exams, or join in when it has already commenced.

Also, check the requirements for the exam on time to ensure that nothing prevents you from taking the exams.

Remain dehydrated:

Don’t study without drinking sufficient water because dehydration hurts the performance levels of the brain. Hence, drink enough water to boost your mood.

Pre-AP(Pre-Advanced Placement)

Factors to consider before choosing a course of study:

Choosing a course of study for college is not an easy task. High school students are expected to make their picks in their early years of high school.

Hence, below are some factors every high school student should consider before choosing a course of study;

Course content
Graduate employment rate
Personal interests
Academic record
Personal skills and talents
Personal commitment
Available learning time
Professional advice
Financial capabilities
Personal values

Conclusion

Pre-AP (Pre-Advanced Placement) classes are educational initiatives that prepare high school juniors for college courses and college-level courses in high school.

Although it does not offer college credits like Advanced Placement classes, it should be encouraged for high school juniors as it sets students apart and guarantees external examinations’ successes.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.