Kathryn Harter

Freshman principal Kate Piffel poses with the flyer for the AP Fair. The AP Fair will be taking place on Wed., Jan. 14 during the Common Ground. “It’s going to be in the cafeteria and essentially, with this being the first year, we are kind of playing it by ear but we are going to set up tables all around the room and have kids walk around. It’s going to be very much like a career or college fair atmosphere,” Piffel said.

Looking to get college credit in high school and pay less in college? During Common Ground on Wed., Jan. 14, the AP Fair will be hosted in the cafeteria for students interested in taking AP courses.

The fair will consist of AP teachers introducing their classes to interested students.

“It’s going to be in the cafeteria and essentially, with this being the first year, we are kind of playing it by ear but we are going to set up tables all around the room and have kids walk around. It’s going to be very much like a career or college fair atmosphere,” freshman principal Kate Piffel said.

To go to the AP Fair, students must sign up in the counselors’ office at the front desk and receive a pass from their Common Ground teachers. Students must report to Common Ground first for attendance and wait for an announcement.

It will start with a presentation about study tips and other AP helpers and then students will mingle with the current teachers of each course.

“Teachers have been encouraged to bring their textbooks, sample syllabi and maybe potential projects to give kids a heads up on what the school year looks like. Also there is going to be some teachers that bring current and former students down to have conversations among students as well,” Piffel said.

AP classes are Advanced Placement courses that can transfer for college credit at various universities.

“AP is a great way to earn college credit before you leave high school. If you take the class and you end up taking the test in May, it’s a national test, you pay roughly $90. If you do well enough, you get a 3, 4 or 5, you can earn college credit,” Piffel said. “If you were to take the same class in college it could cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the university that you go to. So if you do well and get that credit, you are starting college with a few credits already when you get there.”