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Are AP Classes Necessary for Homeschoolers?
Do you have to take AP classes if you don't want to?
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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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.
Join my Squidoo Fanclub!
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Phone: 1-888-533-2435
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00 am to 03:00 pm (PST)
Comments 6
What if the AP course is outsourced to PA Homeschoolers online which is an approved (by the CB) AP course? Do I list the course with its AP designation on his homeschool transcript (with a course description), as well as have them send their transcript?
Melissa,
I always list any classes my children take on their homeschool transcript, whether the entity that provides the class gives a transcript or not. Your homeschool transcript can include everything your student does---thereby showing colleges everything they need to know about your student. Lee talks about listing outside classes using an acronym for the class site in this blog post: https://www.homehighschoolhelp.com/blogs/acronyms-for-outside-classes
Blessings,
Robin
Assistant to The HomeScholar
Sure, Linda! I'll fix the text of the post as soon as I can, too, so there is less confusion
Thanks for the clarification, Lee! :-)
Hi Linda,
Sorry about that! You can get the course approved by the College Board, yes. My husband edited that part of the blog post, hoping to be helpful, LOL! Anywho, yes. You get the class approved by the CollegeBoard and they give you permission to call is "AP" on the transcript. Otherwise, just call it "Honors" and you are good to go. Does that make sense? My husband is feeling a little sheepish right now..
Blessings,
Lee
Lee,
Thank you for your informative blog!
I have a question regarding your statement: "In order to call it “AP” on your transcript, you either need to enroll in the class at the high school it is offered or pass the AP exam."
I have heard from numerous sources that you cannot call a course "AP" unless it is approved by the College Board, and that simply taking the AP exam does not mean you can call the course AP on the transcript. Some homeschoolers have recorded it "Honors Chemistry with AP Exam" rather than AP "Chemistry."
Can you clarify this for us? Thank you!