Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Should my student take the AP Psychology Exam in the Spring?
I expect all students enrolled in AP Psychology to take the AP Exam in May. Colleges look more favorably toward a student that attempts the AP Exam (even if they do not pass), than a student that takes an AP class and does not take the exam. Every student in this class has the information and the potential to do very well on the Exam - they just have to review and S-T-U-D-Y! In a recent study, the College Board (the group who creates and distributes the AP Exams) found that: 1). 33% of all college students graduate within 4 years. 2). 45% of college students who have taken just one AP course (whether they passed the AP Exam or not) graduate from college in 4 years. 3). 61% of college students who have taken two AP courses (whether they passed the AP Exam or not) graduate from college in 4 years.Back to Top
When is the AP Psychology Exam?
The Exam will be Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 11:30am in Room 1300. Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early, and be prepared with pens and pencils. Also, make sure you bring a watch to time yourself for the two essay questions. You may NOT bring a cell phone, iPod, or any electronic device. The Exam is expected to end between 4:00 and 4:30pm. You must stay for the entire examination period (even if you finish early), so plan accordingly.Back to Top
The AP Psychology Exam is made up of 2 sections. The first section has 100 multiple choice questions and is worth 2/3 of the grade. Students have 70 minutes to answer the multiple choice section. The second section is 2 essay questions (students must answer both questions) within 50 minutes. This section is worth 1/3 of the score.Back to Top
How much does the AP Psychology Exam cost?
The total cost is $86 for the first AP Exam taken and $43 for each additional AP Exam a student registers to take. There are fee reductions forms for students who qualify. The forms are available from their AP teacher or the AP Coordinator (Mr. Sutton). If a student qualifies for a fee reduction, they will only have to pay $5 per AP Exam. The deadline for submitting the fee reduction form is Friday, February 20, 2009. No student should abstain from the test for financial reasons. I will find you funding - see me if you have questions or concerns. All payments for AP Exams are due by Friday, March 13, 2009. Please do NOT wait until the last day to make your payment. We have hundreds of students who take AP Exams (and only one Finance Clerk to process each request), so the line can get very long. Save yourself time by planning ahead! The test can be paid for by cash, cashier's check, or credit card (NO CHECKS) at the Finance Office (next to the Dawg House) in the quad. Or, you can pre-order the exam online using your credit card through the Helix website (www.helixcharter.net). Click on "SERVICES" in the left hand column and then "EXAMS". However, if you choose this option, you can NOT qualify for a fee reduction. The teacher in charge of AP Exams is Mr. Sutton. Please e-mail him (rsutton@helixcharter.net) if you have additional questions.Back to Top
Are there any study guides available for the AP Psychology Exam?
I have looked at several (if not all) of the study guides available for the AP Psychology Exam and my favorite (easy to ready, sample quizzes with explanations, and relevant) is Barron's "How to Prepare for the AP Psychology Exam" by Robert McEntarffer and Allyson Weseley. The runner-up is the Princeton Review's "Cracking the AP Psychology Exam" by Robert Sternberg. One of the newer review books that is very impressive is McGraw-Hill's "5 Steps to a 5: AP Psychology" by Laura Lincoln Maitland. It is a little longer and more detailed than the above ones, and includes some interesting strategies.Back to Top
What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
The Advanced Placement Program� is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. Since its inception in 1955, the Program has provided motivated high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Students who participate in the Program not only gain college-level skills, but in many cases they also earn college credit while they are still in high school. AP courses are taught by high school teachers who follow course guidelines developed and published by the College Board. The Program's success is rooted in the collaborative efforts of motivated students, dedicated teachers, and committed schools. By participating in the Program, secondary schools make the commitment to organize and support at least one class that is equivalent to a first-year college course. If you have additional questions about the Advanced Placement program, you may want to check out their website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.htmlBack to Top