Summary:
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board that allow high school students to take college-level courses and potentially earn college credit. AP scores can strengthen college applications and demonstrate mastery in specific academic subjects.
What Are AP Exams?
AP (Advanced Placement) Exams are subject-specific standardized tests offered each May to students who complete AP courses, typically in high school. These courses are designed to be equivalent to introductory college classes. The AP program is managed by the College Board, the same organization that runs the SAT. Students who score well on these exams may receive college credit or advanced placement at U.S. universities and some international institutions.
AP exams are especially common in U.S. high schools, but many international schools also offer them, and students can sometimes self-study for the exams if AP courses are not available locally.
Subjects Offered
There are currently over 35 AP subjects across a wide range of academic areas, including:
- STEM: Calculus AB/BC, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science
- Humanities: English Literature, U.S. History, World History, Psychology, Government
- Languages: AP Chinese, Spanish, French, Latin, Japanese
- Arts: Studio Art, Music Theory
Each AP exam is aligned with a specific course curriculum and is scored independently of a student’s classroom performance.
Exam Format and Scoring
AP exams are usually 2 to 3 hours long and include a combination of multiple-choice and free-response questions (essays, problem-solving, or document analysis, depending on the subject). The exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5:
- 5 – Extremely well qualified
- 4 – Well qualified
- 3 – Qualified
- 2 – Possibly qualified
- 1 – No recommendation
Many U.S. colleges award credit for scores of 4 or 5, and some accept 3s depending on the subject and school policy. Credit policies vary by institution and by department, so students should check the AP credit policy of each college they are applying to.
Why Take AP Exams?
Taking AP exams shows academic strength and college readiness. Competitive U.S. colleges look favorably on students who challenge themselves with AP coursework. High scores on AP exams demonstrate subject mastery and the ability to handle rigorous content. Some universities allow students to skip introductory courses, place into advanced classes, or even graduate early by using AP credits.
For international students, AP scores can provide standardized proof of academic achievement, especially when their school system is unfamiliar to U.S. admissions officers. Students from China and other non-U.S. educational systems often take AP exams to supplement their local curriculum (e.g., GaoKao or IB).
How to Take AP Exams
Students usually take AP exams at schools authorized by the College Board. If AP classes are not available, students can study independently and register as "self-study" candidates at a local AP test center. Registration typically occurs in the fall for exams in May, and the exams are only offered once a year.
In China, AP exams are offered through authorized schools and testing centers, not directly through the College Board. Students must register through designated partners and follow local procedures.