Unveiling the Secrets: How to Submit Your Syllabus to the College Board (and Survive the Process)
So, you’ve crafted the perfect syllabus. Your students are going to be so impressed with your organized, detailed, and (let’s be honest) slightly intimidating outline of the semester. But wait, there’s one more hurdle: submitting it to the College Board for AP course approval.
Fear not, fellow educator! You’re not alone in this bureaucratic jungle. This guide will walk you through the process with a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm, because let’s be real, navigating the College Board website is like trying to find a parking spot in New York City during rush hour.
The AP Course Audit: Your Gateway to Approval
Think of the AP Course Audit as the bouncer at the coolest club in town (except, you know, it’s the College Board). You need to impress them with your syllabus to get past the velvet rope (er, the “Submit for Administrator Approval” button).
Here’s the breakdown:
- Visit the course page: This is the first step, so don’t trip and fall at the starting line. Navigate to the specific AP course page on the College Board website.
- Sign in to AP Course Audit: If you haven’t already, create an account. You’ve probably already done this at some point, but the College Board loves to make you feel like a new user every time.
- Add the course: Click that “Add Course” button like you’re adding a new app to your phone (except, you know, this one is for grading essays, not playing Candy Crush).
- Fill out the form: Get ready for some serious information-gathering. The College Board wants to know everything about your course, including your favorite color (just kidding, but they do ask some pretty specific questions).
- Approve the form: Your school administrator needs to give their official “thumbs up” before you can move on. This should be a quick process, but if your administrator is in a meeting or on a coffee break, you might find yourself hitting the “refresh” button more times than you’d like.
- Adopt AP unit guides or submit a course syllabus: This is where the magic (or madness) happens. You have two options:
- Adopt AP unit guides: This is the easy button. The College Board has already created unit guides for each AP subject, so you can skip the syllabus writing and just use their pre-made material. But let’s be real, you’re a unique snowflake, and your students deserve a syllabus that reflects your teaching style.
- Submit a course syllabus: You’ve worked hard on your syllabus, and you’re proud of it. Go ahead and submit it! But remember, the College Board has very specific formatting requirements, so make sure your syllabus is up to their standards.
- Program review: This is the waiting game. The College Board will review your syllabus and decide if it meets their criteria for AP course authorization. You can’t exactly “speed up” this process, but you can check your inbox frequently for updates.
- If the course is authorized: Congratulations! You’ve officially received AP course authorization. Your syllabus has passed the test, and you can now proudly teach your students about the complexities of the world (or, you know, the quadratic formula).
The AP Syllabus: A Guide to Navigating the Labyrinth
Submitting an AP syllabus is like running a marathon. You’re going to sweat, you’re going to get frustrated, and you’re going to want to give up. But if you persevere, you’ll reach the finish line (and hopefully get your syllabus approved).
Here are some tips to help you navigate the syllabus submission process:
- Know your audience: The College Board is made up of educators and academics, so make sure your syllabus is written in a clear and concise style. Use professional language and avoid slang (unless you want to risk making your syllabus sound like a high school student’s essay).
- Be thorough: The College Board wants to see that your syllabus covers all the essential topics for the AP exam. Don’t leave anything out – even if it’s something you think is “obvious.”
- Follow the format guidelines: The College Board has very specific formatting requirements for AP syllabi. Make sure you follow them to the letter, or your syllabus will be rejected. You can find the format guidelines on the College Board website.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread: You don’t want to submit a syllabus with typos or grammatical errors.
- Get feedback: Before you submit your syllabus, ask a colleague to review it for accuracy and clarity.
The Hardest AP Exams: A Word of Warning
You’ve probably heard rumors about the dreaded AP exams. Some are notorious for their difficulty, while others are known for being challenging but manageable. Here are some of the most common “hardest” AP exams:
- Physics 1 – Algebra Based: This exam is known for its demanding calculations and complex concepts. You’re essentially trying to tame a wild beast, but with the right preparation, you can conquer it.
- United States History: This is a heavy-hitting exam that requires students to have a strong understanding of American history, from colonial times to the present.
- Government and Politics, US: This exam dives deep into the complexities of the American political system, covering everything from the Constitution to current events.
- Environmental Science: This exam covers a wide range of topics, from biodiversity to climate change. It’s a challenging exam, but it’s also one that’s relevant to our current world.
Submitting Your Syllabus: A Story of Triumph (or Maybe Just Survival)
Submitting an AP syllabus is a rite of passage for every AP teacher. Think of it as a challenge that will test your patience, your organizational skills, and your ability to navigate the College Board website. It may feel like you’re being asked to climb Mount Everest, but remember, there are resources available to help you along the way.
If you ever find yourself lost in the labyrinth of the College Board website, remember that you’re not alone. There are many helpful resources available online, including the College Board’s own website, as well as numerous forums and blogs dedicated to AP teaching.
And if all else fails, you can always reach out to a fellow AP teacher for advice. We’ve all been there, and we know the struggle is real.
Need further help, answers, or research resources about how to submit a syllabus to the College Board? Connect with us at the JobLoving community – we’re here to support you every step of the way!