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Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics header with school logo in center

“Advanced Academics includes courses, programs, assessments, services and supports that provide opportunities for students to demonstrate college and career readiness and earn postsecondary credit.”

 

- Texas Education Agency

 

Please click the image below to view our presentation from Advanced Academics Night

What’s the Difference?

Dual Credit

Advanced Placement (AP)

UT On Ramps

# of Courses

Max of 14 dual credit courses, recommend do not exceed 30 college hours to avoid affecting financial aid and students do not exceed 3 Dual courses a year (15 hours/semester)

There are no limits as to how many courses a student can take.

There are no limits as to how many courses a student can take.

Eligibility

Students must apply and take the TSI (or PSAT exemption) to qualify for Dual Credit courses.

There is no pre-test or application required to qualify to take AP courses.

Must meet course prerequisites

Earning College Credit

College credit is earned by passing each semester of the high school course (70 or higher).

College credit is earned by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test administered in May.

UT professor awards college grades based on university work and assessments.

Weighted Points added per Semester when calculating GPA/Class Placement

AP/DC- 8 Points

DC Only- 5 Points

8 Points

8 Points

Credit Transfer

College credit is transferable to other universities/colleges. Students should consult with their chosen college/university to inquire about transferability.

University determines course equivalency.

AP scores of 3 or higher may qualify students for college credit nationwide. Each university determines score to course equivalency. 

College credit is transferable to other universities/colleges. Students should consult with their chosen college/university to inquire about transferability.

Follow us on Twitter for everything Advanced Academics:  @Soto_Advanced

What Is Dual Credit?

1

Dual Credit allows students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously simultaneously at their high school.


 

2

College credit is awarded as long as the student earns a 70 or higher each semester.


 

3Awarding of college credit comes from a local community college (Northwest Vista College).4

Can take up to 14 courses however, if the student exceeds 30 college credit hours of dual credit, it may affect financial aid


 

 

🐾Dual Credit Courses at Sotomayor:


 

Dual Credit Course Name NotesCollege Hours Earned
Social Studies US History AP/DualThis is a junior-level course. 6
World History AP/DualThis is a sophomore level course.3
US Government AP/DualThis is a senior level course, which is paired with Macroeconomics (one semester each)3
MathPre-Calculus Advanced/DualStudents can take this course any time after Algebra II. Students will earn college credit for College Algebra in the Fall, and PreCal in the Spring8
Calculus AB AP/DualStudents can take this course ONLY if they have earned Dual Credit for PreCal PAP/DC. Students will earn college credit for Calculus I. 4
Calculus BC AP/DualStudents can take this course ONLY if they have earned Dual Credit for PreCal PAP/DC. Students will earn college credit for Calculus I and II. 8
College Algebra DualStudents can take this course anytime after Geometry and Algebra II. 4
 Statistics AP/DualStudents can take this course anytime after Geometry and Algebra II. 3
English

English Language 3 AP/Dual


 

This is a junior level course. 6
English Literature 4 AP/DualThis is a senior level course for students who either took English 3 Dual or passed the English 3 AP exam with a 3 or higher. 6
English Literature 4 HThis is a senior level course for students who did not take English 3 Dual or did not pass the English 3 AP exam with a 3 or higher. 6
ScienceBiology AP/DualThis is a junior and senior level course.8
Environmental Science AP/DualThis is a junior and senior level course.4
Human Anatomy & Physiology This is a junior and senior level course.4
Physics 1 AP/DualThis is a junior and senior level course4
ElectivesMedical Terminology This is a sophomore level course. 3
Advanced Spanish 3 Students can take this course if they have credit for Spanish I or II at the middle or HS level. 6
Art AppreciationThis course can be taken at any high school grade level. 3

🐾 Quick Dual Credit Links:


 

🐾How To Apply:

 

To apply for our Dual Credit Program, please first indicate your interest by filling out the form below and then completing the following steps by the due date:

 

DUAL CREDIT INTEREST FORM

1. Complete an ApplyTexas application

Students must complete an ApplyTexas application to their chosen program to begin the dual credit process.  Click on the ApplyTexas icon to the left to go to the application site. Click on the ApplyTexas Guide link below for guidance in completing the application. You must use a personal email when completing the application, DO NOT USE your NISD email. You must use a PERSONAL EMAIL when creating your Apply TX account.

Apply Texas Guide - 2023-2024 version

Due: March 22, 2024

2. Log into ACES Account

ACES is the Alamo Colleges student portal.  After completing the ApplyTexas application, students should receive an email with log-in information to access their ACES account. Click the icon to the left to access the ACES Login page. 

 

 

Only Modules

3. Complete Online Modules

Log in to your ACES account to complete the GO FAARR and TEST PREP modules.  These modules are required for all students applying for Dual Credit classes.

 

Steps 2 and 3 Due: April 1, 2024
 

ACES Instructions for Steps 2 and 3 

 

TSI Image, text to the right

4. Pay for and take the TSI

For students that are not PSAT exempt. Please see our Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Information tab for additional information or email Chelsea.Reyes@nisd.net

 

Due: April 26, 2024

Canvas logo

5. Complete Dual Credit Orientation 

Log in to your ACES account and locate the Canvas Icon. On Canvas complete the Dual Credit Orientation Module. Use the guide attached below to assist in completing Step 5. There may be some assignments you will not be able to complete until a set date. 

Dual Credit Orientation Guide - 2023-2024 version 

Due: April 26, 2024

 

 

What Is AP?

1AP Courses expose student to college rigor, and allow them to earn college credit by passing an AP exam (score 3 or higher)2

Students sign up for courses in the Spring through their counselors


 

3

Some courses may require summer reading.


 

4

Students pay for AP exams (Cost: $40) in the Fall. Students take the exam in early May and scores are received in early July


 

 

*Pre-AP courses expose students to the skills necessary for AP courses- no college credit is earned

 

🐾AP Courses at Sotomayor:





 

 AP Course NameNotes
Electives2-D Art and DesignStudents can take this course starting Sophomore year and it is recommended they have two or more Art credits
AP DrawingStudents can take this course starting Sophomore year and it is recommended they have two or more Art credits
Art HistoryStudents can take this course starting Sophomore year and it is recommended they have two or more Art credits. 
Computer Science AStudents can take this after Principles of Computer Science
Computer Science PrinciplesThis is a freshman level course. 
Music TheoryThis class is recommended for juniors and seniors. Students should have a background in music (choir, band, or orchestra, or some kind of classical music training). This class is best suited for students who wish to pursue music after high school. 
Spanish Language and CultureStudents can take this course after Spanish 3
Spanish Literature and CultureStudents can take this course after Spanish 4
French Language and CultureStudents can take this course after French 3
MathCalculus BCStudents can take this course after PreCalculus Advanced, or after Calculus AB
Calculus ABStudents can take this course after Pre-Calculus Advanced 
StatisticsStudents can take this course anytime after Algebra II
Pre-CalculusStudent can take anytime  after Geometry and Algebra II
ScienceEnvironmental ScienceThis course is recommended for juniors and seniors. 
Physics 1This course is recommended for juniors and seniors, students must have completed geometry and be taking Algebra II or have completed it. 
Biology This course is recommended for juniors and seniors. 
EnglishEnglish Language and CompositionThis is a junior level course
English LiteratureThis is a senior level course. 
HistoryHuman GeographyThis is a freshman level course. 
Modern World HistoryThis is a sophomore level course. 
PsychologyThis course is recommended for juniors and seniors. However, it is open to sophomore if they have taken AP Human Geography
United States HistoryThis is a junior level course. 
US GovernmentThis is a senior level course, one semester in length. 
MacroeconomicsThis is a senior level course, one semester in length. 

 

 

 

 

AP: College Credit 

**The best consulting resource a student should be referring to is the college or university they wish to attend.**

The amount of college credit a student can earn from their AP Courses is dependent upon:

1) AP Exam Score- In Texas, a score of 3,4,5 will receive college credit. Universities determine the type of credit and the amount. 

2) The College’s AP credit policy- public universities in general will award AP credit for every AP exam however other schools may be more restrictive. 

AP: College Placement

  • Some colleges may only offer College Placement for AP exam scores. 
  • This will allow students to skip the course and go straight on to the more advanced courses. Unlike earning College Credit, this would not necessarily allow a student to graduate earlier. 
  • However, it will free up space in the students schedule to pursue a double major or take part in another special program such as an internship.

How to Plan Ahead?

  • If a student already knows what College or University they would like to attend, they can use the AP Credit Policy Search to explore what they would need to score on their AP subject exam to earn college credit or placement. 
  • They can also find the AP exam policy for their choice of college by reaching out directly to their admissions office and most have their policies online. 

 

 

🐾Quick AP Links:

 

🐾AP Exam Registration 

To register for AP Exams, please click below to register and pay for your exams on Total Registration.  You MUST register and pay for your exams using Total Registration for exams to be ordered for you

www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/44068

 

Description 

Cost per Exam

Exam registered and paid for by November 3rd

$41.60

$10.40 Reduced fee for qualifying students

Late order fee for exams ordered between November 6th and March 1st 

$40 in addition to the exam fee. 

2nd Semester Courses: There is no late registration for students that are taking a one semester Spring course (Government/Macroeconomics)

Ordering Deadline: March 1st

41.60

$10.40 Reduced fee for qualifying students

Exams that are canceled or not taken by the student

$40 in addition to the exam fee

Challenge Exams, Students outside the District

$101

 

🐾AP Exam Schedule

Week 1Morning Session: 8 AMAfternoon Session: 12 PM
Monday, May United States Government and Politics Art History 
Tuesday, May 7Human GeographyStatistics
Wednesday, May 8English Literature and CompositionComputer Science A
Thursday, May 9

Chinese Language and Culture

Environmental Science 

Psychology
Friday May 10United States History 

Macroeconomics 

Spanish Literature and Culture

 

 

Week 2Morning Session: 8 AMAfternoon Session: 12 PM
Monday, May 13

Calculus BC

Calculus AB

Pre-Calculus 
Tuesday, May 14English Language and Composition 
Wednesday, May 15

French Language and Culture

World History: Modern

Computer Science Principles

Music Theory

Thursday, May 16Spanish Language and CultureBiology
Friday, May 17Physics 1: Algebra- BasedPhysics 2: Algebra-Based

 

Art and Design: Friday, May 10, 2024 (8 p.m. ET), is the deadline for AP Art and Design digital portfolios to be submitted as final to the AP Program

What Is On Ramps?

1

Students earn college credit from UT Austin


 

2

Students engage with high-quality content and build digital literacy skills using the same tools as UT students


 

3

Students earn TWO grades (high school and college). These grades do NOT have to match


 

4

Students sign up for courses in the Spring through their counselors


 

 

🐾On Ramps Courses at Sotomayor:
 

On Ramps Course Name NotesCollege Hours Earned
Social StudiesUS History This is a junior level course.3

🐾 Quick On Ramps Links:

🐾 Quick TSI Testing for Dual Credit Links:


 

🐾 TSI Testing Dates:

All testing will take place at Sotomayor High School

  • March 23, 2024
  • April 6, 2024

 

🐾 TSI Registration and Payment:


 

What is the TSIA 2 and do I have to take it?  

 

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses in the areas of reading, writing, and math.

 

What do I have to score on the TSIA 2 to be eligible for Dual Credit?



 

ELAR Placement Math Placement

Passing: 945 or higher OR 

                Diagnostic Level 5 or higher and Essay of 5 or higher


 

Passing: 950 or higher  OR 

               Diagnostic Level 6  or higher

English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) Section - 30 items 

  • Students not meeting the college readiness for this section will be directed to a diagnostic assessment - 48 items 

Essay - Persuasive (350-600 words)

Mathematics (MATH) Section - 20 items 

  • Students not meeting the college readiness for this section will be directed to a diagnostic assessment - 48 items



 

Can I receive a TSIA 2 Waiver?

 

Students must score the following in order to be exempt from taking the TSI.

ELAR Waiver Math Waiver
PSAT score of 460 or higherPSAT score of 510 or higher

 

 

🐾 Quick TSI Study Resources :

 

 

🐾 TSI Study Resource Instructions:

Students can access ACCUPLACER/TSIA2 practice resources from both the ACCUPLACER website and the ACCUPLACER platform.

ACCUPLACER website:

  •  From the ACCUPLACER homepage:
    • ​​​​​​​ACCUPLACER practice resources links can be found on the Practice for ACCUPLACER panel.
    • TSIA2 PAA and practice resources for Texas students can be found on the For Students/For Texas Students panel.

ACCUPLACER platform:

 


 

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