Advanced Placement is designed to provide motivated high school students with post-secondary-level academic courses. This rigorous academic program offers students a head start in successfully navigating academic challenges they will encounter at post-secondary schools. Based on their performance on AP examinations, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both for university and college courses. Students' achievements in AP courses are celebrated with course credit, College Board awards, and scholarships from most universities, including the University of Alberta.
About Advanced Placement
- A selection of academic courses at the post-secondary level taken in high school.
- A focused learning environment
- Academic skill development in writing, research, problem-solving, independent thinking, critical thinking and responsible scholarship
- Increased confidence and readiness for post-secondary studies
- Active, high-level learning that allows students to develop the skills, habits of mind, and concepts needed to succeed in post-secondary institutions
- The opportunity to take courses in specific areas of student interest and ability
- Credit for many university and college first-year courses
- The chance to challenge AP Language exams in a variety of languages to receive advanced placement or credit at university and college
Advanced Placement (AP) Registration Guide
McCaffery AP Registration Guide 2025-2026
Who should take Advanced Placement (AP)?
Students with a strong academic background, motivation to excel, and an interest in advanced coursework are encouraged to enroll in the AP program.
Recognition and Benefits
Skill Development
- Build advanced academic skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, effective communication and resilience.
University/College Credit
- Students who achieve a minimum grade in AP courses may earn 100 level credits for advanced coursework completed in high school
- Exclusive Scholarship Opportunities: Graduating AP students may be eligible for special AP scholarships, recognizing their academic achievements and commitment to rigorous studies.
University Preparation
- Experience the rigor of post secondary-level coursework while still in high school.
- When attending post secondary institutions, AP students are not as overwhelmed by workload and have experience with high stakes exams giving AP students a competitive edge.
AP at the University of Alberta
AP Courses Offered at McCaffery
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP Seminar |
| AP Math (Calculus) | AP Chemistry |
| AP Biology | AP Psychology |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AP courses negatively affect my grades?
- AP courses include additional content, but grades are typically based on provincial or school assessments. In Alberta, for instance, only marks from Alberta Curriculum assessments are included on the transcript.
Do AP Exams affect my high school transcript?
- No, AP Exam scores are separate and do not appear on high school transcripts. However, students may report their scores to post-secondary institutions to earn credit or advanced standing.
What is the format of an AP Exam?
- AP Exams typically include multiple-choice and free-response sections, designed to assess a student’s knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to apply concepts.
What happens if I don’t do well on an AP Exam?
- AP Exams are low-risk. Poor performance on an AP Exam does not affect your high school grades or transcript, and you can still benefit from the enriched learning experience.
Can AP courses help me get into university?
- Yes, AP courses demonstrate academic rigor and a willingness to challenge oneself, which are qualities universities value in applicants.
For more information
Please contact Richard Downing - AP Administrator (Richard.Downing@ecsd.net)