In high school, you may have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. What are these courses? And how do they differ from other high school classes that are offered?
AP courses are college-level classes offered in high school, created by the College Board. They are designed to give students access to more rigorous academic work, and students can earn college credits if they score high enough on the subsequent AP Exams. Scoring well on these exams gives students the opportunity to advance in their college careers before they even begin college, an opportunity that traditional high school classes do not offer.
More About AP Exams
To align with the coursework of AP classes, the College Board created AP Exams, which are standardized tests designed to evaluate a student’s mastery of the college-level material taught in the corresponding courses. These exams are typically taken in May, toward the end of the school year.
Currently, there are fully digital and hybrid digital AP Exams, meaning that some exams can be taken completely electronically while others include other components, such as paper exam booklets, portfolios, spoken free response devices, or performance tasks. The digital side of the exams are administered through a platform called Bluebook.
Timing and Structure
Most AP Exams last about 2–3 hours. The initial part of the exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions, and the latter part of the exam usually involves free-response questions in the form of an essay, a solution to a problem, or a spoken response. To learn more about what a specific exam may entail, refer to the details offered on College Board’s AP Courses and Exams page.
Scoring
AP Exams are scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with a 1 representing no recommendation for college credit and a 5 meaning that the student is extremely well qualified. Many U.S. colleges grant credit or allow you to skip an equivalent course with a score of 3 or above. Refer to a college or university’s website for specific guidelines for how the school treats AP Exam results.
Why Take AP Exams?
The benefits of taking AP Exams include:
1. Earning College Credit: You can save on tuition costs or graduate earlier by fulfilling college credits or requirements prior to entering college.
2. Strengthening College Applications: AP courses and strong exam scores demonstrate a commitment to learning and the ability to overcome challenges academically.
3. Fulfilling Introductory Course Requirements: A good score can allow you to bypass introductory-level college courses and jump into advanced topics.
4. Building Skills for Lifelong Learning: AP courses and AP Exams foster critical thinking, time management, and study skills.
Registration and Costs
You must register for AP Exams by joining your class section online. The deadline to register for exams is in the fall, but schools may have additional deadlines to meet. AP Exams can cost around $100 for each exam. Students are often responsible for covering this payment, but check with your school about their AP Exam policy, how to submit any exam fees you are responsible for, and whether there are any waivers or discounts available to you. Talk with your teacher or AP coordinator for specifics.
How to Prepare for AP Exams
1. Follow the Course Syllabus: Participating in your class and learning the AP curriculum is the best way to prepare for an AP Exam. Review your course material thoroughly.
2. Use Practice Exams: Familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the exam by taking official practice tests. A great place to start is College Board’s website for AP Students.
3. Study Consistently: Break down your study sessions over several months to avoid cramming.
4. Utilize Resources: Consider AP prep books, online courses, and study groups for additional support. Ask your teacher for additional guidance on how to prepare.
5. Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on topics you find challenging.
Tips for Test Day
Arrive for your AP Exam well-rested and prepared with any required materials. If you made the most of practice opportunities and asked for guidance from your teacher(s), you will be trained to carefully read instructions and pace yourself well for the duration of the exam. Stay calm and do your best!
Final Thoughts
AP courses and their corresponding AP Exams offer high school students the chance to jumpstart their college careers. While the courses and exams are challenging, the benefits of earning college credit, strengthening college applications, and developing valuable skills make them well worth the time and effort.
