AP Intensive Science Impact
24 students are chosen for the AP Intensive Pathway (formerly known as LEAPES) in the 7th grade. They account for ~10% of the class (approximately 24/240 students). These students essentially become the top 10% of their graduating class by the time they are a senior. This is because they are allowed to access more AP classes starting in the 8th grade.
Students in advanced math (double accelerated) and AP Intensive Science have a significant advantage in eligibility for course rigor/AP classes in the hard sciences. These students advance two years ahead relative to others (even if they are only one year ahead in math). When these students apply to college in the fall of senior year (typically by Nov 1 for early decisions), they have 2 more AP courses relative to 90% of the students in their class.
Impact of APs on GPA
Advanced placement courses are offered more weight than any other course when calculating GPA. APs taken in grade 8 currently count toward the high school GPA. With a 0.5 weight and two extra APs, students in AP Intensive Science have a full extra point (0.5 x 2) added to their GPA calculation that others do not have.
Potential Solutions
There are a various ways to address the inequities that result from early placement decisions that disadvantage those not chosen.
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Reduce the weight of APs in the GPA calculation
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Do not count 8th grade in the high school GPA calculation
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Offer access to hard science APs to those who were not chosen for advanced math. Alternative science pathways are shown below. Consider raising them with your child's guidance counselor.
In addition to the pathways shown above, some have raised the idea of "doubling up" in grade 8 so that a student takes Living Environment and AP Bio in the same year.
Science APs do have math prerequisites. The recommendations for math requirements for various hard science APs are shown below.
About Manhasset Excellence
Manhasset Excellence aspires to ensure excellence in Manhasset Schools by promoting flexibility and transparency in advanced placement programs. We hope to educate the Manhasset community about the selection process for the 6th grade advanced math program in hopes that a better understanding about the policy and its implementation will allow parents and the administrators to work together to establish better placement processes for all subjects in the future. Information presented is estimated based on available information from the Board, administrators, the math department and parent feedback.