Zhang 1 Jamie Zhang ENGL 1102 Debarati Dutta 7 May 2013 Inquiry Project Reflection Throughout the inquiry

project, I think I did well on it. My topic is about AP credits for college. I would like to present to those who rise from middle school to high school and plan to attend the four-year college in the future. From research, I learned more about the AP courses and how they help us from high school to college. It does have advantages and disadvantages, and with self-experience, I think this is an interesting topic to discuss. College application season can be an anxious time for students, and their families. Students worked hard and done their best, but how do they know theyve get the academic experience that colleges are looking for? Here are some points that take us to there: stand out in college admissions, earn college credits, skip introductory classes, build college skills, score well on exams, and earn AP scholar awards. By making the decision to take an AP course, youre letting colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. AP courses signal to admissions officers that youve undertaken the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer. They see that youve challenged yourself with college-level course work and expectations, and have refined your skills to meet these expectations. In the increasingly competitive admissions process, this knowledge can be very valuable.

Zhang 2 As college costs grow each year, the prospect of continuing education becomes less and less of a reality for many high school students. By making it through an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses. If you know what you want to major in at college, taking an AP course related to that major and earning a qualifying score on the AP exam can help you gain advanced placement out of introductory courses. This means that you can possibly place out of crowded required courses, and move directly into upper-level classes where you can focus on work that interests you most. With this additional time on your class schedule, you can pursue a second major or minor, take exciting electives or follow additional interests in new ways. By taking an AP course, you aren't just distinguishing yourself in high school and in the college admissions process; you are also building the skills you'll need throughout your college years. With AP classes, you'll experience the thrill of overcoming difficult problems as well as the pride of seeing challenges through to the end. After students are finished with the AP Exams in May, schools return all AP Exam materials to the AP Program. AP Exam scores are reported on a 5-point scale: 5 Extremely well qualified, 4 Well qualified, 3 Qualified, 2 Possibly qualified, 1 No recommendation. The AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated superior college-level achievement through AP courses and exams with the AP Scholar Awards. AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, AP Scholar with Distinction, State AP Scholar, National AP Scholar, National AP Scholar (Canada), National AP Scholar (Bermuda), DoDEA AP Scholar, International AP Scholar, and AP International Diploma.

Zhang 3 There are 34 AP courses, and each one can help you get working toward a wide variety of college majors and careers. AP courses also help you transform what you love right now into a valuable and satisfying future. The world waits, dictated by your interests. Start exploring now.

Zhang 4 Work Cited https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap/the-ap-experience https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap/the-rewards https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap/the-rewards/building-college-skills https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap/the-rewards/scholar-awards http://www.highereducation.org/reports/Policy_Practice/DallasAP.pdf