Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board each May that correspond to AP courses taken during the school year. Scoring well (3, 4, or 5 on the 1-5 scale) can earn college credit, advanced placement, or both at most US colleges and universities.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Enroll in an AP course. Work with your guidance counselor to register for AP courses during course selection. Most AP courses are year-long and designed to prepare students for the corresponding exam.
- Register for the exam through your school. Your school's AP coordinator handles exam registration:
- Preferred enrollment deadline: Early October (for the following May exams)
- Final ordering deadline: Mid-November
- Late change deadline: Mid-March (changes after this incur a $40 late fee per exam)
- Pay the exam fee to your school by their internal deadline
- Prepare throughout the year. Use class instruction as your primary preparation, supplemented by:
- AP Classroom resources (practice questions, videos, and progress checks provided by the College Board)
- The AP Course and Exam Description (CED) for your subject, which details exactly what is tested
- Released exam questions from prior years
Common Mistakes
- Not registering on time
- Relying only on the course for prep
- Ignoring free-response practice
- Taking too many AP exams in one year
- Not checking college credit policies
Pro Tips
- Use AP Classroom year-round
- Study the scoring rubrics
- Form a study group
- Take the exam even if you are unsure
- Consider self-studying for exams