During early May, high school students across the country sit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams. For students carrying a heavy AP load, that can mean four or five exams in two weeks, an intense stretch at the end of an already demanding year.
The AP program, run by the College Board, provides curriculum frameworks so teachers can align their courses with exam expectations. At some schools, students in AP classes are required to take the exam. Even when it’s optional, it usually makes sense to sit for it. After a year of rigorous work, the exam is an opportunity to potentially earn college credit, and many students perform better than they expect.
Most AP exams include both multiple-choice questions and a free-response section, which may involve essays or problem-solving. Studio Art is the exception; it is assessed through a portfolio review.
Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Colleges set their own policies for awarding credit. Many grant credit for scores of 4 or 5, and some award credit for a 3. Some colleges use the scores as a method to place students in appropriate-level classes. Policies vary not only by college but also by subject, and more selective institutions often have stricter guidelines. Students can review each college’s AP credit policy on its website or through the College Board’s AP Credit Policy Search.
Some applications, including the Common Application, allow students to self-report AP scores. Official score reports should be sent once a student has chosen where to enroll, so that the college can determine credit and placement.
Students who earn AP Scholar distinctions can include the award in their applications. The basic AP Scholar award is granted to students who score 3 or higher on at least three exams. Higher distinctions require stronger performance across more exams, with the most competitive level reflecting consistent scores of 4 or 5 on numerous tests.
AP exams cost $99 each, though fee reductions are available for students with financial need, and some high schools subsidize the cost. While the fee may feel significant, it is modest compared to the cost of a college course.
Students who take multiple AP exams and earn qualifying scores may enter college with a semester or more of credit. Some graduate early, reducing tuition costs. Others use the flexibility to pursue a double major, study abroad, or take on internships while maintaining a manageable course load.