Frequently Asked AP Questions

• What are the requirements for students interested in taking AP Courses?
Eligibility is based on a variety of factors. First, students must obtain permission from the teacher of the AP course. Second, students must have earned a “B” or better in the previous year of study in this field. Please note that unless an exception is made, semester grades of "B-" or below will not qualify students for an AP course. Third, due to the rigor, pace and college-level expectations of AP courses, they are primarily reserved for juniors and seniors.

• How should students decide whether to enroll in one or multiple AP courses?
As mentioned earlier, the AP curriculum is rigorous and requires that students spend anywhere from one to two hours doing HW on a regular basis. Only students who have a strong work ethic and solid preparation will do well in AP courses. Students who have achieved semester grades of “A” and” A-“ in a given subject matter have traditionally done quite well. Students with grades of "B-" or below have often struggled, lowering their GPA and creating unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety. Lincoln School is committed to enhancing opportunities for post-secondary study; poor grades in AP courses do not impress college admission officers. While students in AP courses have a wide-range of strengths and abilities, students who are not prepared for the accelerated pace of AP work may slow the class down, and possibly interfere with students who are preparing for exams and pursuing college credit.

Students and parents need to consider the number of AP courses to take in a given year. A discussion with the Guidance Counselor is an essential first step in the decision-making process. The Guidance Counselor and Principal make every possible effort to accommodate student and parent requests.

• What if a parent or student appeals the school’s recommendation?
After careful consideration between parent and child, a student may decide to enroll in an AP course against the school’s recommendation. In such cases a student will sign an AP contract which details the expectations of the AP course, how much time per week the student will spend outside class on homework and studying, policies regarding assignments and late work, and any other pertinent information. The contract will state that a student might need significant help outside of class and that the teacher may not be able to provide it. The student may also need to employ an outside tutor. If all key parties agree to these terms, a student may enroll in an AP course.

• What if a student wants to withdraw?
A student may withdraw from an AP class after meeting with the AP teacher and the Counselor. The student can transfer to another class in the same field of study with the grade earned to that point in the AP class. For students who withdraw from an AP course before the start of Quarter 2, transcripts will only report the grade earned in the completed course with no reference to having been in an AP class the previous quarter. However, transcripts will reflect a program change if a student decides to withdraw after the second quarter begins.

• Have Lincoln’s students typically performed well in AP courses and on examinations?
A resounding yes! The majority of students earn As and Bs in AP classes. In addition, most students earn scores of 3, 4 or 5 on the examinations, which are evaluated on a scale of 1-5, with 5 representing the highest level of achievement.

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