Academics: Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the FAQs below where you will find answers to common questions related to ASMS academics. If you have additional questions, please reach out to a staff member in the ASMS Department of Academic Affairs.
- (1) Where does ASMS rank among other high schools in the state of Alabama? (also see question #2)
- (2) How does ASMS measure the quality of the institution since they are not included in state rankings? (also see question #1)
- (3) How many hours do students need outside of class to complete assignments?
- (4) Does ASMS offer extra credit?
- (5) At what level are ASMS courses offered?
- (6) Is it normal for students to struggle in adjusting to the higher level of academic rigor at ASMS?
- (7) What kind of academic support structures does ASMS provide to students?
- (8) What are study hours?
- (9) Do ASMS instructors have times when students can meet with them?
- (10) Does ASMS make academic accommodations?
- (11) Does ASMS help students with standardized test preparation?
- (12) What are the keys to academic success at ASMS and beyond?
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Q: Where does ASMS rank among other high schools in the state of Alabama? (also see question #2)
ASMS is an independent state agency, which means we are not required to adhere to the state curriculum. This allows ASMS to teach college-level classes, recruit students from every county in Alabama, and hire university instructors to serve as faculty members. Our data sets are not included in the state rankings with other Alabama high schools.
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Q: How does ASMS measure the quality of the institution since they are not included in state rankings? (also see question #1)
We seek to stand on our own merits with data that exemplifies the prestige of our institution over the last 30 years: ASMS is Cognia STEM-certified with a 100% graduation rate, 100% college attendance, excellent college matriculations, high ACT composite scores, high AP scores, student-led research opportunities, participation in NCSSS, and more.
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Q: How many hours do students need outside of class to complete assignments?
Students report needing to work for 2-4 hours per night to complete assignments. This is in addition to studying for quizzes, tests, etc.
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Q: Does ASMS offer extra credit?
There are very few extra credit opportunities in classes. Grading procedures are clearly stated in instructor syllabi provided to students at the beginning of each term.
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Q: At what level are ASMS courses offered?
Most classes offered at the college freshman and sophomore levels.
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Q: Is it normal for students to struggle in adjusting to the higher level of academic rigor at ASMS?
Every student will struggle in some way at ASMS, and trying harder is not enough. Students will need help outside of class from ASMS faculty members, academic counselors, and staff members.
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Q: What kind of academic support structures does ASMS provide to students?
Our first year orientation class will also help students learn to study. ASMS also offers academic study labs with tutors in each subject area. All students are required to participate in study hours for 2 hours per weeknight.
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Q: What are study hours?
Every week Sunday to Thursday night, the ASMS campus is completely quiet for 2 hours with no classes, meetings, or activities. Students are required to use this time to complete assignments and study. Study hours is a guaranteed time for students to be able to focus. It prevents procrastination and encourages students to go to bed earlier.
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Q: Do ASMS instructors have times when students can meet with them?
ASMS instructors have at least 6 office hours per week when they are available to meet with and help students.
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Q: Does ASMS make academic accommodations?
ASMS is not required to offer accommodations. ASMS does not offer formal accommodations. Students may be eligible for offsite accommodations on standardized testing (never onsite).
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Q: Does ASMS help students with standardized test preparation?
ASMS annually offers free standardized test preparation workshops to students.
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Q: What are the keys to academic success at ASMS and beyond?
Take the highest-level courses available. Have a diverse and deep transcript. Take upper-level World Language courses. Seek out research opportunities. Find faculty and staff mentors. Consider pursuing a concentration.