03-07-2012, 11:49 AM
Publius Wrote:Wow, I knew some of the differences but nothing like all the stuff you guys listed! Thanks! I wonder how in the world did AP got more popular then CLEP!
Because school districts have PAID TEACHERS teaching AP courses and proctoring exams. Among other factors, AP scores are calculated in a school's achievement profile/college readiness, so student's success drives their ranking. The more students who do well on AP exams, the better the school looks.
Popular? No, but the district has a self interest in offering the exam.
FWIW, I also took AP courses in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades...guess what? I didn't take any AP exams either. I only vaguely remember hearing about AP exams, and taking MORE exams didn't sound like anything I wanted to do as a teen!!!