Eda Buchner on LinkedIn: What is Advanced Placement (AP)? Colleges and universities in the US and… (2024)

Sending Your Child Off to University in 2024: A Guide for ParentsAs your child prepares to embark on their tertiary education journey in 2024, it's a time of both excitement and anticipation. Here are some key points to consider to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for them:Building Independence:Personal Management: University life demands independent management of time, workload, and finances. Encourage your child to develop strong organizational skills and a budget to navigate the academic and social spheres effectively.Responsibility and Resilience: University is a stepping stone to adulthood. Support your child's development of personal responsibility, including dealing with challenges and unexpected situations.Choosing the Right Path:Course Selection: Discuss course options with your child, ensuring their selection aligns with their interests, personality, and learning style. A good fit fosters academic motivation and enjoyment.Understanding University's Role:Education, not Just Training: University is more than just job training. It's about developing critical thinking, communication, collaboration skills, and a broad knowledge base.Focus on Learning, not Just Grades: While good grades are important, a university education is not solely about achieving A's. Encourage your child to prioritize the learning process, actively engage in lectures, discussions, and projects.Building a Well-Rounded Individual:Versatility and Adaptability: Emphasize the significance of developing a versatile skillset. University should equip your child to adapt to evolving situations and future career demands.Human Values Matter: University should foster compassion, empathy, and strong human values. These qualities are vital for success in any field and contribute to a more positive and collaborative society.Investment in Time and Learning:Time Commitment: University requires a significant time investment outside of classes. Encourage your child to actively participate in seminars, research projects, and extracurricular activities - these are valuable learning opportunities.The Value of Contribution: Many university experiences involve contributing their time and skills without immediate financial reward. Help your child understand that this is part of the learning process, building valuable skills and networks for their future success.By working together and focusing on these points, you can support your child in making the most of their university experience. This exciting chapter should prepare them not just for a job, but for a fulfilling life as a well-rounded, adaptable, and contributing member of society.

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Is it worth to do IBDP for a Student from a Middle Class Family?The decision of whether it's worth pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for a student from a middle-class family depends on various factors, including the student's goals, interests, and the available resources. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:Academic Goals: The IBDP is known for its rigorous academic curriculum. If the student is highly motivated and academically inclined and aspires to attend a prestigious university or pursue a career that requires a strong academic background, the IBDP can provide a challenging and well-rounded education.Financial Considerations: Middle-class families should consider the cost of the IBDP, which includes fees for the program, textbooks, and potential additional expenses such as exam fees and extracurricular activities. Evaluate whether these costs are manageable within your family's budget.Scholarships and Financial Aid: Some schools offer scholarships or financial aid opportunities to help students from various socioeconomic backgrounds access the IBDP. It's worth researching whether such options are available.Local Curriculum vs. IBDP: Consider the quality of the local education system and curriculum in your area. In some cases, a strong local curriculum may be sufficient to meet the student's educational goals, and pursuing the IBDP may not be necessary.Career Aspirations: If the student has a clear idea of their future career and it doesn't require an IBDP, it might not be worth the additional investment in the program.Workload and Balance: The IBDP is known for its demanding workload. Ensure that the student is prepared for the challenges and can maintain a healthy work-life balance.Extracurricular Activities: Consider the availability of extracurricular activities and other educational opportunities in your area. Participation in clubs, sports, or community service can also contribute to a well-rounded education.College and University Admissions: Research the admissions requirements of colleges and universities the student may be interested in. Some institutions may value the IBDP, while others may consider other factors more important.Personal and Family Support: It's essential to consider whether the student is motivated and supported by the family in pursuing the IBDP. A strong support system is crucial for success in a challenging program.Ultimately, the decision to pursue the IBDP should align with the student's interests, academic goals, and the family's financial situation. It's worth discussing this decision with educators, school counselors, and the student to determine if the IBDP is the right path for them. Additionally, explore alternative educational options and scholarships to make the program more financially feasible if it aligns with the student's aspirations.

I love AP Exams. International Baccalaureate (IB) is even better. Why? These exams do a far better job of testing knowledge and critical thinking than the SAT/ACT. These exams also cut through the grade inflation noise. And good scores often earn college credit (saving students money).Now, I know not every student has access to these exams through their high schools, and some high schools have more classes than others. But let's look past these for a moment and look at the data.USE IN IVY AND EQUIVALENT ADMISSIONSScores help separate otherwise seemingly similar applicants. For example, at Harvard, the average admitted student took 6 AP exams when applying and had an average score of 4.7 (out of 5). The average applicant who wasn't admitted took 4 AP exams and had an average score of 4.3 (out of 5).UNDERSTANDING ABILITIESGrade inflation leads to 50-70% (or more) of students receiving A's in their AP classes in high school.Students receiving the equivalent of an A on the AP exam (a 5) are far fewer. For example, AP English Lang is 10%, AP US History is 10.6%, AP Calc AB is 22%, and AP Physics 1 is 8.8%.The exams are really the only way to know if the students are learning the material, and the exams provide an incentive for the students to study.EARNING COLLEGE CREDITAt most colleges, earning a 3 or better on the exam (the equivalent of a C) is good enough to earn college credit (at some colleges, a 4 or 5 may be required for some exams to earn credit).In 2022, ~22% of all high school seniors (730,000) earned a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.--Overall, it feels like we should be expanding learning opportunities for students. IB should be expanded within the US, as I find it requires substantially more writing and higher-quality writing than AP curriculum. More high schools should offer these more advanced classes. Note: I know some "elite" high schools have moved away from the rigidity of AP and IB to have their own advanced curriculums. This is fine, provided they maintain high standards. But let's not let something that works for a few select high schools set the rules for everyone else.

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's amazing article about Competency-Based Education. Western Governors University is a pioneer for this barrier-breaking learning method.Here are some of the articles hightlights: "One of the first accredited colleges to use CBE as its foundational teaching method is Utah-basedWestern Governors University. Founded in 1997 by the governors of 19 states, WGU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, IT, health and nursing – all online. It says it has the largest number of students enrolled in CBE courses, nearly 140,000 in the 2022-2023 academic year."Like many other CBE programs, WGU attracts active members of the military. More than 19,000 military-affiliated students were enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year.“We are democratizing access to education more than anything else,” says WGU president Scott Pulsipher.“One core difference between CBE and traditional college instruction is that CBE courses are designed to be relevant to necessary career skills”, Pulsipher adds. “This forces us to design learning outcomes to be mapped to the needs of the workforce. So when we assess and say a student has mastered a competency, it’s a better signal to employers that you’re actually competent.”Copyright 2023 U.S. News & World Report#cbe #wgu #learnwhereyoulive #militaryfriendly

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Scholarship is always with great determination

I am a CBSE Grade 10 Student. Is it good decision to join IBDP?The decision to join the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as a CBSE Grade 10 student depends on your individual goals, interests, and academic strengths. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:Academic Rigor: The IBDP is known for its rigorous academic curriculum. It includes a broad range of subjects and encourages critical thinking, research, and independent learning. If you enjoy challenging yourself academically and are willing to put in the extra effort, the IBDP can be a good choice.International Perspective: The IBDP offers an international perspective on education and is recognized by universities around the world. If you're interested in studying abroad or pursuing a career with a global outlook, the IBDP can be a valuable option.Interdisciplinary Learning: The IBDP encourages interdisciplinary learning and the development of a well-rounded skill set. It includes components such as the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay, which promote critical thinking and research skills.Extracurricular Activities: Consider how the IBDP fits with your extracurricular activities and interests. Make sure you have enough time for both academics and personal interests.Time Commitment: The IBDP can be demanding, with a lot of coursework and assessments. Ensure you're prepared for the time commitment required to excel in the program.College and Career Goals: Think about your future aspirations. The IBDP is highly regarded by many colleges and universities, but it's essential to research the specific requirements and expectations of the institutions you plan to apply to.Consult with School Counselors: It's a good idea to talk to your school counselors or teachers to get their input and advice. They can provide insight into how well the IBDP aligns with your abilities and ambitions.Personal Motivation: Ultimately, the most important factor is your personal motivation. If you're enthusiastic about the IBDP and believe it will help you achieve your goals, it can be a good decision.Keep in mind that the IBDP is not the only path to academic success or personal growth. There are other high school programs, like CBSE or other international curricula, that can also provide a strong foundation for your future. Consider all these factors and make an informed decision based on your individual circ*mstances and aspirations.

Why is important to recognize military service al university centers?Recognizing military service at university centers is important for several reasons:1.Acknowledgment of Sacrifice and Service: Military personnel and veterans have made significant sacrifices for their country. Recognizing their service at universities honors these contributions and demonstrates societal appreciation for their dedication.2.Support for Transition to Civilian Life: Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. University recognition can help veterans adapt by providing tailored support services, academic credits for military training, and counseling, which facilitate their integration into academic and civilian communities.3.Educational Benefits: Many veterans utilize educational benefits provided by programs like the GI Bill. Universities that recognize military service can offer streamlined processes for accessing these benefits, ensuring that veterans receive the support they need to pursue higher education.4.Creating Inclusive Environments: Recognition helps create an inclusive campus culture that values diverse experiences. Veterans bring unique perspectives and skills that can enrich academic discussions, group projects, and campus activities.5.Encouraging Academic Success: By acknowledging military service, universities can offer specialized resources, such as veteran centers, mentoring programs, and peer support groups, which help veterans succeed academically and personally.6.Building Community and Networking Opportunities: Recognition programs can foster a sense of community among student veterans, connecting them with fellow veterans, faculty, and alumni who share similar experiences. This network can provide valuable support and career opportunities.7.Promoting Leadership and Discipline: Veterans often possess leadership skills, discipline, and resilience developed through military service. Recognizing and integrating these qualities can enhance the overall academic environment and benefit the broader student body.8.Attracting Future Students: Universities that actively recognize and support military service can attract more veterans and active-duty personnel, enhancing the institution’s reputation as a veteran-friendly school and contributing to its diversity and strength.In summary, recognizing military service at university centers is essential for honoring veterans’ contributions, supporting their educational and personal transitions, and enriching the academic environment with their unique experiences and skills.May is Military appreciation month. Recognize, emphatize, respect and appreciate sacrifice of all men and women who served.

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How to Win a Full-Funded Scholarship with a 2.2Credit- @Scholarshipscaf Winning a fully funded scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity for students, regardless of their academic standing. While a 2.2 GPA may not be considered stellar, it's essential to remember that many scholarships take into account various factors beyond just grades. In this blog post, we will outline a strategic plan on how to win a fully funded scholarship even with a 2.2 GPA. By focusing on other aspects of your academic and personal profile, you can increase your chances of success.1. WES Evaluation (World Education Services)If you obtained your degree from an institution outside the United States, it's crucial to get a WES evaluation of your transcripts. This evaluation can help scholarship committees understand your academic background better. While a 2.2 GPA might not meet the initial requirements for some scholarships, a WES evaluation can provide additional context and potentially boost your eligibility.2. Secure a SupervisorMany scholarships, especially those for graduate studies or research-based programs, require applicants to secure a supervisor or mentor. Establishing a strong relationship with a professor or professional in your field can be a game-changer. Their recommendation can carry significant weight in the selection process, often outweighing GPA concerns.3. Take Standardized TestsExcelling in standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL can significantly improve your scholarship prospects. A strong test score can demonstrate your academic capabilities beyond your GPA. Invest time in rigorous test preparation to maximize your chances of getting a high score.4. Publish Research PapersEngaging in research and publishing papers can demonstrate your commitment to your field of study. It's not just about grades; it's about showcasing your passion and dedication. Even if you're an undergraduate student, you can collaborate with professors on research projects and aim to get your work published.5. Target Less Competitive SchoolsSometimes, aiming for schools that are not as highly ranked or competitive can be a strategic move. These institutions might offer more scholarship opportunities, and your application may stand out more among a less crowded pool of candidates.6. Submit a Compelling EssayYour personal statement or scholarship essay is your chance to shine. Use this opportunity to explain your GPA and any obstacles you've overcome. Highlight your strengths, achievements, and why you are passionate about your field of study. Craft a compelling narrative that sets you apart from other applicants.

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The College Board is concerned with increasing access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses. As such, the students taking large numbers of AP courses are just as concerning to the organization as those taking none. #GreatCollegeAdvice #APCourses #CollegeBoard #HighSchool

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