“Any student who is academically ready for a challenge and is willing to put in the work should consider taking AP.”
College Board. (n.d.). Should Only Straight A Students Take AP? AP Students.
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/help-center/should-only-straight-a-students-take-ap

We support high standards for Advanced Placement and want students placed where they can succeed. However, the current rule requiring a 93 average in the prior, related course (for example, a 93 in AP U.S. History to take AP Government) is too rigid and ignores many factors behind a single grade. One cutoff overlooks grading differences between teachers in multi-section courses, semester-to-semester improvement, mental health challenges or burnout, and other circumstances that can lower a grade without reflecting true readiness for the next course.

We ask the administration to replace the single 93 cutoff with either the abolishment of the rule or a tough, transparent, and supportive system that preserves high standards while giving prepared students with a temporary dip a fair path to continue advanced coursework aswell as we believe that students not able to take AP courses are hurt by missing chances at scholarships.

What we are asking for in this new system
Reasonable thresholds instead of one line. For example, automatic entry at 93 or those who scored a 4 or above in the previous AP class; conditional entry for students passing who demonstrate readiness on a placement task or with a strong teacher recommendation, along with parent and student signatures acknowledging expectations and the potential GPA impact if the commitment isn’t met.

Inform students of options before it’s too late. Clearly communicate that students enrolled in AP classes may switch to a standard-level course within the first two weeks if the fit isn’t right, and that staying in an AP course without full commitment can be more harmful to grades than a standard option.

Prospective implementation and stability. Many classmates prepared over the summer, with some spending money on courses to get ready for AP classes they expected to take. Because the new rule was announced only at open house, students felt blindsided after investing time and resources. Apply any changes going forward, grandfather current schedules, and publish timelines so families can plan.

This approach keeps AP classes appropriately sized, allowing more one-on-one support, while removing arbitrary barriers. It focuses on real readiness for the specific course, not a single number that’s convenient for spreadsheets and poor at measuring real students whose futures are affected by AP access.

Sign below if you support rigorous and fair AP placement based on multiple measures, not a one-size-fits-all 93.

“The AP Program believes that all motivated and academically prepared students should be able to enroll in AP courses.”
College Board. “Can Anyone Take AP?” AP Students. n.d. Accessed August 11, 2025.
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/help-center/can-anyone-take-ap