26 SIS students earn 42 AP distinctions
Saipan International School proudly announces that 26 of its students have earned a remarkable 42 Advanced Placement (AP) distinctions this year. Additionally, three-fourths of SIS students taking AP exams this year achieved scores of 3 or higher. Leading the way in each of the grade levels authorized to take AP courses were senior Tony Li with an average score of 4.43, Christian Newman (Grade 11) with an average score of 3.67, and Dong Huyn Lee (Grade 10) with an average score of 4.4.
These results underscore SIS’ commitment to academic excellence and its role as a leader in advanced education on the island. “This year set a record number of AP Scholars at SIS,” said Dr. Ron Snyder, Saipan International School headmaster. “Our offerings have increased to a total of 15 AP courses and this breadth of possibilities has helped our students achieve these distinctions. But it is the students who have met the stringent requirements set by College Board and we are very proud of them and their achievements.”
SIS is also celebrating its recognition as the first AP Capstone Diploma school on the island, a prestigious honor that reflects the school’s dedication to providing rigorous academic programs. This year, 22 SIS students successfully passed the AP Research course, further highlighting the students’ hard work and the school’s supportive learning environment. The AP Capstone program is an innovative diploma program created by the College Board that emphasizes research, collaboration, and communication skills. It consists of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.
1. AP Seminar: In this course, students explore various academic and real-world issues through an interdisciplinary lens. They learn to analyze information from multiple sources, develop arguments, and present their findings. The course assessment includes a team project, an individual research-based essay and presentation, and an end-of-course exam.
2. AP Research: Building on the skills developed in AP Seminar, students in AP Research design, plan, and conduct a year-long research project on a topic of their choice. They produce a 4,000-5,000 word academic paper and present and defend their research findings to a panel. There is no exam for AP Research; the assessment is based on the paper and presentation.
The following students have earned distinctions in various AP categories:
AP Scholar Awarded to students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Serin Chung, 12th Grade
Martha M. Culp, 11th Grade
Jiho Kong, 10th Grade
Seohee Lee, 12th Grade
Charlie Wei Li, 11th Grade
John A. Linden, 12th Grade
Claire S. Park, 12th Grade
Yelin Park, 12th Grade
Yebin Shin, 12th Grade
Charlene T. Son, 11th Grade
Hangyeol Son, 11th Grade
Ian J. Song, 11th Grade
Elizabeth N. Tom, 11th Grade
Jinhee Woo, 11th Grade
AP Scholar with Honor Awarded to students who score an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
Stephanie Kim, 12th Grade
Kyle M. Kramer, 11th Grade
Li Sha Lai, 12th Grade
Dong Gyu Lee, 10th Grade
AP Scholar with Distinction Awarded to students who score an average of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
Dong Hyun Lee, 10th Grade
Tony Li, 12th Grade
Milarose Jeanne M. Magno, 11th Grade
Christian F. Newman, 11th Grade
Angel M. Yu, 12th Grade
AP Capstone Diploma Awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP exams.
Serin Chung, 12th Grade
Stephanie Kim, 12th Grade
Li Sha Lai, 12th Grade
Milarose Jeanne M. Magno, 11th Grade
Christian F. Newman, 11th Grade
Claire S. Park, 12th Grade
Yebin Shin, 12th Grade
AP Seminar and Research Certificate Awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research. The 11th grade students still have the chance to earn the AP Capstone Diploma by completing all of the requirements in their 12th Grade year.
Martha M. Culp, 11th Grade
Junghyun Hwang, 12th Grade
Kyle M. Kramer, 11th Grade
Yelin Park, 12th Grade
Soledad T. Sablan, 11th Grade
Charlene T. Son, 11th Grade
Hangyeol Son, 11th Grade
Ian J. Song, 11th Grade
Elizabeth N. Tom, 11th Grade
Jinhee Woo, 11th Grade
Jacky Zhen, 11th Grade
AP International Diploma The AP International Diploma (APID) is a globally recognized certificate awarded and is designed for students who wish to pursue university studies outside their home country or those who want to demonstrate a strong international academic background.
To earn the APID, students must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Global Perspective: Score a 3 or higher on two AP exams from two different world languages or one AP world language exam and one AP English exam.
2. Science or Math: Score a 3 or higher on one AP exam in either science or mathematics.
3. Global Studies: Score a 3 or higher on one AP exam from the history and social sciences category, in courses that demonstrate a global perspective. At SIS this includes AP Human Geography and AP Macroeconomics.
4. Additional Exams: Score a 3 or higher on one or two additional AP exams, not already used to meet the criteria above, for a total of five AP exams.
The APID was awarded to:
Serin Chung, 12th Grade
For more information about Saipan International School and its programs, please visit the school website at: https://www.saipaninternationalschool.com/ or contact the office at (670) 288-9660. Enrollment is open.
About Saipan International
School Saipan International School is a premier educational institution committed to providing a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and global citizenship, SIS nurtures students to become leaders in their communities and the world. (PR)
Christian Newman
Dong Hyun Lee
Tony Li
