More than 80,000 Michigan students' parents are about to receive mail that could change their kids' academic trajectory. The letters, landing in mailboxes any day now, will inform them that their children have what it takes to take advanced placement (AP) courses based on a specific tool developed by the College Board. This initiative aims to give students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school, potentially saving on future tuition costs.
According to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the AP Potential Tool uses results from spring 2025 PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10 to identify those who are likely to score a 3 or even higher on certain AP exams. These scores indicate a student's readiness for college-level coursework, which can start as early as high school. And while the letter holds promise, it's important to note that students can still succeed in AP courses without being flagged by this tool.
"One way that we keep Students First is to encourage them to take rigorous AP courses if they can be successful in those classes," State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko stated, as quoted in the MDE press release. The MDE is in partnership this year with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), which helped in dispatching the letters to students' families, aiming to highlight and expand access to advanced learning opportunities.
Record participation in the AP program from Michigan students in recent years reflects the state's dedication to higher learning. The Michigan Department of Education cites a 4.5% increase in AP exam takers in 2025 compared to 2024, with even more significant growth among African American and Hispanic student populations. What's more, these student groups aren't just participating; they're outperforming national averages when it comes to passing scores of 3, 4, or 5 on these exams. This suggests not just access, but success in these challenging courses.
Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, the director of MiLEAP, emphasized the impact of early recognition of students' potential: "This effort ensures families receive clear, timely information about the opportunities available to their children." She further elaborated their commitment to preparing Michigan students for lifelong success, aligning with the state's strategic education goals of expanding secondary learning opportunities and increasing high school graduation rates, per the Michigan Department of Education.
Apart from AP classes, the letter to parents will recommend considering other pathways like dual enrollment, Early Middle College, career and technical education (CTE) programs, or the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme. The aim is to introduce high school students to the demands of college academia, a small nudge or sometimes a leap toward their future selves, standing confidently amidst the critical crossroads of higher education.
