Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are standardized exams administered by the College Board in the United States to assess high school students' proficiency in college-level courses. These exams cover a wide variety of subjects and are scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with many colleges offering course credits for scores of 3 or higher. AP Exams are typically taken at the end of an AP course, allowing students to potentially earn college credits while still in high school.

Common Questions

  • What is the purpose of taking an AP Exam?

    The purpose of taking an AP Exam is to potentially earn college credits, placement into advanced courses, and demonstrate college readiness through successful completion of challenging coursework.

  • How are AP Exams scored?

    AP Exams are scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score, indicating extremely well-qualified, and 1 indicating no recommendation for college credit.

  • When are AP Exams usually administered?

    AP Exams are typically administered in May each year, following the completion of an Advanced Placement (AP) course in high school.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams - College Glossary Term