Potential Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 15

CLASS ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS Of course there are good and bad students in every class, no matter the level. However, chances are there will be a higher percentage of focused, high-achieving students in higher level AP courses, making an environment better suited for college-bound students with a desire to learn more challenging material. In many cases schools place their most qualified teachers, who often receive additional training, in AP classrooms. Still unsure what to do? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you love and naturally excel in the subject in question, AP may be a great opportunity to prepare for college level coursework, give your GPA a boost, and give you the potential to earn college credit. In the case of subjects that you don’t enjoy or that you may struggle with, however, grade level may be a better choice. Another alternative: Does your school offer dual enrollment? Dual enrollment allows students to take actual college courses while in high school. Check with your school counselor and your prospective college to find out if dual enrollment might work for you! ONLINE DUAL ENROLLMENT Troy University Accelerate: trojan.troy.edu/online/accelerate UA Early College: uaearlycollege.ua.edu Compared to non-AP students, AP students who scored a 3 or above on the AP exam showed: • Higher college retention rates • Higher first year GPA • Higher college graduation rates Source: www.research.collegeboard.org High school students can reach goals faster at a top 50 public university. Explore today at http://uaearlycollege.ua.edu/potential to take full advantage. Application and More Information  Website http://uaearlycollege.ua.edu  Email [email protected]  Call 877-823-8759 or 205-348-7083 uaearlycollege @UAEarlyCollege uaearlycollege www.potentialmagazine.com Winter 2016 | 15