September 30, 2005
Horry County Schools surpassed the national average on the number of students scoring 3 or higher on Advanced Placement exams during the same year that it increased the number of students taking AP courses by one-third. This percentage of HCS students scoring between 3-5 increased to 62 percent, up three percentage points from 59 percent last year. The national success rate is 58 percent, down two points from last year’s 60 percent. South Carolina’s pass rate on AP exams is 54 percent, slightly less than last year’s 56 percent. During the most recent school year, 516 students participated in AP courses, up from 371 the year before. HCS also increased the number of AP exams administered to 715, up 177 exams over the year before.  Since 1984, South Carolina has paid for AP instructional materials, paid students’ test fees and offered specialized training for teachers. Every student enrolled in an AP course is required to take the test.
The five most-taken AP exams in 2005 were United States History, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, Calculus AB and Biology. Students with AP exams scores between 3 and 5 generally receive college credit.
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