What You Need to Know About AP Exams
AP exams are given by the College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT. They are held each year in early May for students who have taken the corresponding AP class at their high school.
Important Note: AP scores are not used in the college admissions process, but the grades you earn in AP classes are considered as part of your academic record.
How AP Exams Are Scored
The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 5:
- 3 is considered passing
- 4 or 5 may earn you college credit (depending on the university)
Doing well on an AP exam can earn you college credit and save you time, energy, and money once you’re in college.
Begin your training at least two months in advance by signing up for a free diagnostic test. There’s a lot to cover, and your schedule is probably already packed. Learn more about AP Test Prep >
When to Start Taking AP Classes
Each high school offers different AP classes, so speak with your counselor to find out what’s available to you. Generally, students don’t take AP classes during freshman year. Most schools start offering AP courses in 10th grade — commonly beginning with AP European History (EHAP).
Why Take AP Classes?
An AP course is essentially a semester’s worth of college content spread over a full year of high school. These courses are widely available and are used by college admissions counselors to help identify top-performing students.
Not only do AP courses demonstrate academic rigor, but they also provide a GPA boost. For example:
- A = 5.0
- B = 4.0
Additionally, universities may award college credit for a score of 4 or 5 — meaning you could save a lot of money by performing well on AP tests!
Should You Take Every AP Class?
Not necessarily. Choosing your schedule carefully is key to balancing academic challenge with personal success. If you’re unsure what to take, give us a call — we’d be happy to help you plan strategically.
How to Prepare for the AP Test
Most AP teachers start introducing the AP test structure by second semester. This is a good time to begin familiarizing yourself with the test format and expectations.
To truly improve your score, you’ll need to:
- Identify your weaknesses
- Study consistently each week
- Start early — ideally four months before test day
Note: Cramming the day or week before the exam won’t do much to improve your score.
Want to learn more from the test-makers themselves? Visit the official AP page >
What you need to know about AP Exams
AP exams are given by the College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT. They are held each year in early May for students who have taken the corresponding AP class at their high school.
