FAQs
What are the prerequisites for The Center?
To be eligible to apply, freshmen must be enrolled in at least two honors courses or one honors and one AP course. Students interested in applying must take the PSAT exam in October of freshmen year.
When do students apply for The Center?
Students apply to The Center for their Sophomore year. Applications open in February of the freshmen year for the following fall.
Should I apply if I haven't figured out my passion?
Yes! Part of the AP Seminar course is exploring multiple topics from multiple perspectives. Inspiration and passion can come where and when you least expect it. The question to ask yourself is, "Do I have the desire to explore and learn?"
When do students find out if they have been accepted?
Students are generally notified by email in Mid-March if they have been accepted to The Center.
What are the requirements for AP classes and AP exams?
Students must complete at least seven AP courses and take seven AP exams.
Is there time for extracurriculars?
Center students are well-rounded and participate in numerous on-campus activities and athletics. They also hold part-time jobs and do volunteer work. A majority of Center Scholars play sports, participate in band, orchestra, ASB, yearbook, journalism, etc.
How this will work with my schedule?
After you have applied and have been admitted, we will review your course requests with you during class programming in the spring.
Can students skip the AP Seminar and AP Research exams?
No. The AP Seminar and AP Research courses are unlike other AP courses. They are not content-driven, but rather focused on critical thinking skills. Rather than a typical year-end AP test, AP scores in AP Seminar and AP Research are determined by two performance assessment tasks and one end-of-course exam. All three are used to calculate a final score for each of these two AP courses.
Do Center seniors graduate with honors?
Yes. To date, 96% of our students have graduated from the program and been honored at graduation by sitting in the front rows and wearing a Center stole with their college logo and graduation year embroidered on.
In addition, students who pass at least seven AP classes and seven AP exams graduate with the College Board’s AP Capstone Diploma. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, but do not fulfill the other requirements, receive the College Board’s AP Capstone Certificate.
Does The Center need adult mentors?
Yes! Our students conduct college-level research and mentors from the community and around the globe are a crucial part of that process. See our Mentors page for more information.
Can I deduct my donation to the Center Parent Network?
Generally yes, but please consult your tax preparer. Our tax ID 95-6153775 is registered under our umbrella booster organization, The Lancer Booster Club.
Can parents get involved?
Yes! We have a number of volunteer opportunities for parents. Please check out the Center Parent Network page for information.
“In The Center we learn for the sake of learning. We push ourselves even in other disciplines because we are a close community. We are given the freedom to research our ideas which translates well as better independent work habits as well as better group collaboration and presentation skills.”
John Lesny - Class of 2020
Cal Poly Pomona, Engineering, expected 2024
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