AP stands for Advanced Placement. This academic program provides an opportunity for the students to pursue university or college-level studies while they are still in high school. AP Exams help students easily get through the admissions process, earn college credit, and build skills essential for studying that subject in their target college.
Over 90% of U.S universities offer credit based on a student's AP Exam scores. These colleges use AP scores to exempt students from attending a part of the course, while other colleges place the students in higher classes, and some do both.
When did AP start?
AP was established in the 1950s to help students study in their dream universities worldwide. Every year around 4 to 5 million students from about 120 countries take AP Exams worldwide and send their scores to more than 3,000 universities in 60 countries.
What are the benefits of taking AP?
STEP IN YOUR DREAM COLLEGE
Taking AP courses also helps students get admissions to their dream colleges. By demonstrating their knowledge and skill in specific subjects through AP scores, the students get preference in admission.
EARN COURSE CREDITS
Save time and tuition fees! Earn credits and skip the equivalent course when you get into college. AP students who enroll in four-year courses typically complete them in three or less years.
BAG SCHOLARSHIPS
Furthermore, completing AP courses also helps the students qualify for different types of scholarships. As per the College Board, 31% of colleges and universities consider AP score to make scholarship decisions.
How does the AP test affect a student's college curriculum?
AP fetches college and university credit to the students. They can skip an introductory course and go directly into the second year in some subjects. This also helps impact financial implications positively as the student can cut a major part of the college fees.
Is the AP accepted by the Universities and Colleges outside the USA?
Indian students who want to study in the top study destinations like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, etc., can take AP courses and exams. Many universities in Europe also recognize AP. However, it is important to note that it depends on how many APs are needed to enter a certain course of study. Some universities need four, while some colleges may require 3 AP's or even lesser.
Who can appear for AP exams?
AP exam is open for all the students. The AP Program is designed for all academically prepared and motivated students. The students in high school and colleges can enrol in an AP course.
How much does an AP test cost?
AP fees is $96 per exam in the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories. For everywhere else, the AP fee is $126 per exam. Also, for AP Seminar and AP Research Exams, the fee is $144 per exam. This fee may vary for the exams controlled by the College Board authorized testing centers outside the U.S.
Things you must know about the AP
When Can I start taking AP Exams?
You can start preparing and writing AP exams when you are in 9th or 10th standard. Many students take AP exams in grades 11th and 12th too.
When are the AP exams scheduled?
APs are administered every year during a two-week period in May. You can take the exam during this time and wait for the results.
Are there any pre-requisites for AP?
No, there are not. However, it is essential to know that the AP courses are demanding and need the students to have deep content knowledge.
How to prepare for AP?
Edustori, the leading study abroad consultant in Delhi, can help the students prepare for AP. They also provide essential information and complete support to the students who want to crack AP.
How many AP subjects can I take?
AP tests a range of subjects from Biology to Music. There are a total of 38 AP test options currently.
When does AP declare results?
AP scores are declared every year in July in the first couple of weeks.
What is the scoring pattern in AP?
AP tests are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest score, and 1 is the lowest. This is how the College Board defines the level of score:
- 5 – Extremely well qualified
- 4 – Well qualified
- 3 – Qualified
- 2 – Possibly qualified
- 1 – No recommendation
"Qualified" category means that a student is capable of doing the equivalent of the needed work in that subject of college.
What is the minimum score needed for AP?
Most colleges give credit to the students when they score 4s or 5s in the AP tests, and some give credit for 3s. The required score depends on the test, college, and subject. Though every college needs a different score, most colleges grant credit and advance placement for scores of 3 and above.
What are the subjects covered in AP?
You can take AP in any of the following lists of 38 AP courses:
AP Art History
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry
AP Chinese Language & Culture
AP Comparative Government & Politics
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Environmental Science
AP European History
AP French Language & Culture
AP German Language & Culture
AP Human Geography
AP Italian Language & Culture
AP Japanese Language and Culture
AP Latin
AP Macroeconomics
AP Microeconomics
AP Music Theory
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Psychology
AP Research
AP Seminar
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP Spanish Literature & Culture
AP Statistics
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
AP Studio Art: Drawing
AP U.S. Government & Politics
AP U.S. History
AP World History
How many AP subjects can I take?
The students can take one or many AP subjects. A student who is skilled in a particular subject can do one AP course in that subject and then, after one year, can complete more. One AP per year is quite manageable. Two to three AP in one year can be little strenuous, but many students go for 3 APs in one year too. Doing so gets them AP Scholar Badge, which is respected well by the US universities.
Some universities need a certain number of AP courses. Do investigate your preferred university in advance.
What is the AP exam paper like?
AP Exams are designed to evaluate how well the students have excelled in the content and skills of that specific AP course.
Though every subject has a different exam pattern, most AP subject exams need the students to answer multiple-choice questions and submit free-response. The computer scores the former while trained professionals score subjective assignments at the AP. There is no negative marking for the incorrect answers.
The students have to choose 1 of 4 to 5 answer choices in the multiple-choice questions. The second part of the exam needs you to generate your own responses, which can be in the form of an essay, a solution, a verbal response, etc.
Are AP exams tough?
AP exams are not considered too tough; however, these exams need you to have extensive subject knowledge. The more learned you are; the better are the chances to score high. So, if you are open to the AP challenge, you will have to prepare well.
Why is AP a good choice?
If a student wants to go to college in a foreign country like the USA, AP score can be used to get credit in the course of study. If the students manage a score of 3 or higher, they can go straight into the 2nd-year course.
Dreaming big is important but also keeping up with it despite of obstacles. During my preparation with Edustori, i felt motivated towards my goal every single day. I was able to achieve AP score of 5/5 in Calculus, 4/5 in Statistics and 5/5 in Physics Mechanics and it was all due the constant support and motivation that I got from my teachers. Thank you Edustori.
I got a 4/5 AP score in microeconomics and 3/5 in psychology. Clearing AP was a dream for me. I can't believe I did it. All thanks to Edustori and their support in making this possible.
Scoring a dream score of 5/5 in AP Macro Economics and 3/5 in micro Economics was all due to superior guidance and support received from my teachers, I wouldn't have come this far. I thank Edustori for all the support and guidance