Junior Parent Presentation: College 101

College Planning 101 booklet

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What are Advanced Placement (AP) Courses?

The Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created by the College Board to offer college-level curricula to high school students. AP courses culminate with a nationally-normed exam in May. Many American colleges and universities grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the AP exams. The AP curriculum for each of the AP subjects is created by the College Board by a panel of experts and college-level educators in that field of study.

Admission to Advanced Placement Courses

At NDP, admission to Advanced Placement (AP) courses is based on standardized test scores and class grades. Advanced Placement courses are college level courses for academically capable students. At the end of each course, students take The College Board AP exam. At Notre Dame Prep, all students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam and are responsible for AP exam fees. If the course is a full academic year, students are expected to make the year-long commitment. College credit or placement may be awarded depending upon the college or university a student attends. AP courses are weighted an extra point toward GPA. Due to a greatly increased homework and study workload, students should communicate with teachers prior to enrollment for additional information.

AP Courses at NDP:

• Physics
• Environmental Science
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Statistics
• World History
• U.S. History
• U.S. Government and Politics
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
• Spanish Language
• Spanish Literature
• Computer Science 
• Computer Science Principles
• Seminar
• Research

AP Exam Dates:

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/exam-dates

CLICK HERE to download our 25-26 Freshmen Planning 101 Book!

This Freshman guide has been created to help you navigate high school and prepare for the college admissions process. You will be using the information provided in this booklet to help you understand, organize, and track the high school experience.

PSAT/NMSQT October 28, 2026 

Who: All Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors
*No school for Seniors - it is recommended that the day be used for Christian Service*

When and Where: On campus from 8 a.m. -11:30 a.m. (approximately); students with accommodations finish closer to 1 p.m.
*No late or make-up testing allowed* 

Attire and what to bring: Uniform bottoms with a spirit shirt will be allowed - testers will need to bring a fully charged computer (no Chrome Books), power cord, calculator, pen/pencil and water/snacks. No food will be served on PSAT testing day.

Course Description Guide 2025-26

Schedule Changes

Final schedules will be emailed August 1st. There will be NO schedule changes once schedules are released August 1st. Only schedule corrections will be made. Therefore, CHOOSE YOUR CLASSES WISELY!!!

Schedule corrections:

• Completed summer school course
• To meet graduation requirements
• Health situation (i.e. broke your arm and cannot be in weight training)
• Computer error in schedule

What are Dual Enrollment Courses?

Dual enrollment is an opportunity for eligible high school students who want to earn college credit taking high school classes. Students at Notre Dame Prep can earn Scottsdale Community College or University of Arizona credit for classes, and upon graduation, those credits will transfer to all Arizona universities and many out-of-state institutions.

University of Arizona: Introduction to Engineering and Design, Economics

Scottsdale Community College: Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Calculus, Honors English 3, Honors English 4, Honors U.S. History, Honors French 3, Honors French 4, Honors Spanish 3, Honors Spanish 4, Music Theory, Rock Music and Culture.
 

Help your student get organized and budget his/her time. It’s important to schedule time to complete homework assignments, prepare for tests and quizzes, complete projects and still have time for social activities. Here are some great time management tools:

"Set to Go" Time Management Tools

Time Management Activity

Here are some tips and tricks our previous students have used to be successful at NDP while also managing the stress that comes with high school level courses.
● Find a quiet place and put the electronics away (Airplane mode)
● Concentrate with intention
● Set a study goal
● Vary your study activities
● Set up a system
● Take breaks
● Flashcards
● Set a timer
● Keep a planner
● Read chapters backwards
● Practice
● Use study skills for how you learn (visual, auditory)
● Create a study schedule
● Quiz yourself