AP test participation increases

The AP test is an optional national test administered by the College Board that assesses subject proficiency of students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. Students scoring at a level three or better are eligible for college credit or advanced placement in courses at over 90 percent of four-year colleges nationwide.

The test has five performance categories. A score of three is considered “qualified” in the subject while a score of five indicates a student is “extremely well qualified.” Over one million students nationwide take the AP Tests every year, usually in early May.

Just over 58 percent of Barrow County students who took AP exams last year scored a three or higher. For the state as a whole, 53.9 percent of students achieved this designation. Barrow students have exceeded state AP test takers for the past five years.

While AP exams are available in more than 30 subjects, the most popular exams for Barrow students were U.S. history and English language and composition. Sixty-five students took the history exam and 55 participated in the English test. Of those students taking the English AP exam, 72 percent scored a three or higher.

Dr. Ron Saunders, Barrow County Schools Superintendent, was pleased with the results.

“Our AP teachers and students are to be commended for their outstanding success,” he said. “I am so proud of their commitment to excellence. Student achievement is our number one goal as we continue to seek ways to provide a World Class Education with Hometown Values for all of our students.”