AP Chemistry - FAQs
Q: How do I verify that a course is College Board audited and approved as an AP® course?
A: To verify that a given course is authorized to use the trademark AP® designation, click on the AP® Course Ledger and enter the search criteria. Our school name is ChemAdvantage and we are based in Dearborn, MI.
Q: Why do you require high-school chemistry and algebra as prerequisites?
A: The College Board provides this explanation. "Surveys of students who take the AP Chemistry Exam indicate that the probability of achieving a grade of 3 or higher is significantly greater for students who successfully complete a first course in high school chemistry prior to undertaking the AP course. Thus it is strongly recommended that credit in a first-year high school chemistry course be a prerequisite for enrollment in an AP Chemistry class. In addition, the recommended mathematics prerequisite for an AP Chemistry class is the successful completion of a second-year algebra course."
Having taught AP Chemistry for many years, I have found that students who have not completed the chemistry and algebra requirements have an extremely difficult time with AP Chemistry. This is a challenging, fast-paced course even for students who have completed the entry requirements. Without a proper foundation, even the brightest students tend to underperform in AP Chemistry and end up frustrated and disappointed.
Q: If I do well in AP Chemistry, will I be able to place out of first-year college chemistry?
A: According to the College Board, "Thousands of four-year colleges grant credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam grades, because these grades represent a level of achievement equivalent to that of students who take the corresponding college course."
Click on AP® Credit Policy to view credit and placement information for a given college or university.
Q: Does the College Board provide special accommodations for students with disabilities?
A: If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodations during the AP Exam. You will find specific information at the College Board link Services for Students with Disabilities.
Q: Is it ok to skip the lab component of your course and still list it as an AP® Chemistry Course on my high school transcript or resume?
A: No. To be considered an authorized AP® Chemistry course, it is required that students have "hands-on" lab experience that meets or exceeds College Board audit requirements.
Q: If two students in the same family are taking the course at the same time, is it ok for them to share a lab kit?
A: Yes. However, lab safety is very important. You will need an extra set of safety glasses.
Q: Where do I find information on registering for the AP Exam?
A. AP Bulletin for Students and Parents
Q: Will I be able to communicate with other students in the class?
A: Yes, with restrictions. We take protecting the confidentially and safety of our students very seriously. We post a "Fellow Students" page on the userid/password protected classroom site that lists the student's first name, general location on the map, picture (optional) and a short introduction provided by the student. This protected site also permits students to communicate using a message board called the Forum. If a student wants to share his or her email/IM address(es) with other students in the class, there is a link on the protected site for this purpose. Talk to your parents first and get their permission before sharing any personal information about yourself.
Q: Do you provide letters of recommendation to prospective colleges for your students.
A: Yes. Our commitment to our students does not end with the AP Exam. Colleges want and expect to see recommendation letters from teachers and others who have had experience working with students in an academic environment. When all else is equal between two applications, letters of recommendation that are thoughtfully written with specific examples demonstrating the student's ability, drive and character can play a pivotal role in a prospective college's decision regarding admission.
"According to data from the 2009 College Board’s College Admission and Enrollment Statistics, a majority of colleges and universities ranked counselor and teacher recommendations as one of the most important factors (after grade point average, secondary school record and test scores) in determining which academically qualified students they would choose for admission."