The cutoff score to qualify for Advanced Placement (AP) World History has been changed from a cumulative Global History average of 91 to 92 because there is a limited number of sections available. The change was made after online registration for spring term classes ended, when the cutoff score to qualify was still 91.

There are currently seven sections with 225 students total in AP World History.

All students who finish the Global History 1 and Global History 2 curriculum either before or during high school start out in Global History 3 or AP European History. Students who choose to take AP European History have to apply during their second term freshman year and need at least a 94 in their Global History 1 course.

Although students only take AP World History in their second term, their transcripts will state that they took the course for the whole year. This policy is different last year’s, in which all second year Global History courses were replaced by AP World History courses.

Although the new cutoff for AP World History is set at 92, exceptions can be made.

“It’s not sort of a steadfast rule. Every student has sometimes a set of circumstances you need to consider,” Assistant Principal Social Studies Jennifer Suri said. The cumulative average will not be the only factor considered for a student who wishes to apply for AP World History.

Teachers also retain the right to pull a student who is qualified from taking AP World History based on reasons such as cutting. Furthermore, Global 3 teachers are offered a chance to recommend their students for AP World History, regardless of their overall history average. Also, future applicants who wish to take AP World History but do not qualify are encouraged to speak to Suri.

Students had mixed reactions to the new cutoff score.

Some students believe that the change is unfair because were not aware of the raise in cutoff score when they registered for the class last fall.

“If the department had warned the teachers ahead of time and asked them to inform the students about it, then it is fair,” sophomore Lillian Liang said. “However, it is not the case here.”

“I actually had a 91 average last semester and I wanted to get into AP Global,” freshman Connor Justice said. “The cutoff switch is a bad thing because it limits AP opportunities for some students.”

Some students believe that the change is beneficial.

“I think it is fair because AP global [history] is a more challenging class,” sophomore Meiyi Shi said. “By raising the [cutoff] score, students who are more capable can get in, giving them a better chance to succeed.”

Freshman Ha Young Lee is also supportive of the new policy. “It’s good that qualified students get to choose [to take AP World History],” Lee said. “Ninety-two is a fair cutoff.”