University courses, in your high school

The most popular Canadian destination for AP students is the University of British Columbia, not surprising given B.C.’s lead in AP enrolment. Last year, more than one in 10 UBC applicants was an AP student—but nearly 20 per cent of regular applicants admitted to their first choice of program were AP kids.

Other universities also recruit AP students; the University of Alberta offers evening information sessions and specialized counselling in addition to transfer credits. “It’s a really well-rounded education,” says Brant Hinkey, manager of national recruitment at the U of A. “When you’re looking at the learning style of the AP program, and the skills students develop, it translates very well into success at the university level.”

The College Board says its research shows AP students are more likely than other students to graduate from university with a double major, and are twice as likely to pursue a Ph.D. or studies in medicine or law. But for math teacher Terry Godwaldt, who coordinates the AP program at Edmonton’s Queen Elizabeth High School of Advanced Placement, the greatest rewards come right at the start of students’ post-secondary careers. “I definitely believe AP students have an advantage,” he says. “When they get to university, it means they’ve already studied at that level.” Godwaldt says AP enrolment at Queen Elizabeth has doubled every year for the past three years, and now covers eight subjects with 220 students.

However, he says the high-achieving nature of the program also means teachers need to keep a closer eye on students to make sure they aren’t falling behind. “It is an increased workload, and the kids are doing an extra year’s worth of work over three years,” says Godwaldt. “At the same time, it’s incredible what our kids can do when we provide them with the opportunity.”