Do you have to take AP classes if you don't want to?

Debbie wrote on Facebook:
"I have a 12 yr (7th grade) daughter who is currently doing 9th grade work. As I pick her school work is it necessary for her to do AP classes and how do I know which home school courses are AP? In other words, can I make any curriculum an AP course and how?"

Debbie, anyone can take an AP test, even if you don't sign up for an AP class somewhere, so you don't have to take special classes. Not all colleges require AP classes. You can get more information on AP here

If you decide to take some AP tests, you can use your own curriculum to study and learn.  Later in the year you can begin test preparation, using a study guide for the test your child will take.  Practice with a study guide can fill in any gaps.  Here is an example; Cracking the AP U.S. History Exam, 2011 Edition.

You may want to compare the other college admission subject tests, to determine which test is right for your child.  There are three:  high school level SAT Subject Tests, college level AP Subject Tests, and college level CLEP exams. SAT Subject Tests, AP and CLEP Comparison.

AP and CLEP tests are both college level tests.  If you child passes on of those tests, you may want to call it an "Honors" class.  The College Board owns the "AP" designation.  Technically, you are not allowed to call a class "AP" on your transcript unless you have the class approved by the College Board®.  They say, "Schools also must complete the AP Course Audit process in order to use the "AP" designation on student transcripts." and you can find more information here: AP Course Audit Home Page.

Remember, if you decide you don't want to go through the hassle of getting your AP course approved, there is an easy way to handle it.  Call the class "Honors" and have your child take the AP Test.  Put the test results on your transcript.  Using the AP designation by the title of the class is an easy solution.   Here is information about taking the AP test: AP Exams for Homeschooled Students

It sounds like you are ready to learn more about high school!  Have you checked out my freebies? I have lots of free webinars and minicourses that are good to start with.



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