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NATICK – While Massachusetts students are #1 for the second consecutive year for Advanced Placement (AP) test results, students at Natick High finished 22nd in the Commonwealth for test scores.

In 2021, 2020, 2018, and 2016, Massachusetts’ graduating classes have had the nation’s highest percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP test, according to the College Board.

A score of 3 or above on an AP exam shows a student’s capability to complete work for an introductory college-level course in that subject area, according to the College Board, which administers the AP tests.

in Massachusetts, Dover-Sherborn High had the highest percentage of students receiving a 3 or higher on AP exams with 94.4%

In 2021, 824 AP exams tests (not students but tests) were taken at Natick High, according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE).

Out of those 824 tests, 84% scored a 3 or higher, placed Natick High 22nd in the Commonwealth.

Other MetroWest communities in the top 20 were:

  • Lincoln-Sudbury at #2 at 93.9%
  • Wayland High at #6 at 92.4%
  • Hopkinton High at #9 at 89.8%
  • Ashland High at #13 with 87.5%

Wellesley High was at 29th, with neighboring Framingham at 55th.

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Of those 824 Natick High AP tests administered in 2021, 245 tests scored a 5, the highest score, with 262 scoring a 4.

One hundred and 86 of the tests scored a 3.

Only 36 tests scored a 1, the lowest score, with 96 tests receiving a score of 2.

That means just 16% of the students received a 1 or 2 on the AP Exam.

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Students take AP courses in high school, in part, for the chance to earn college credit and placement from a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam.

New data show the benefits of taking AP courses and exams, including for students who score a 1 or 2.

  • AP students from all backgrounds, including those with average scores of 1 or 2, are more likely to enroll in a four-year college compared to academically similar students who did not take AP.
  • Students who earn AP scores of 2 are well prepared to succeed in introductory college courses. Students who earned scores of 2 on AP Exams perform as well or better in introductory college courses, compared to academically similar college peers who did not take AP.
  • Many students who first score a 1 or 2 on an AP Exam take further AP courses and score higher.

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.