What are AP Exams? Everything You Need To Know

If you're a high-achiever who gets adrenaline from a 4.0 GPA and dreams of an Ivy League education (we stan a brainiac), you've probably heard of AP classes. 

Advanced Placement courses are technically high school classes - but they offer a rigorous education at a college level. The College Board developed the AP program in the 1950s and, since then, participation among U.S. high schoolers has skyrocketed.

AP classes are rigorous (if you identify as a slacker, they aren't for you!) and they end with one final test of your scholastic strength: the AP Exam. AP tests are offered at the end of the school year in May If you score high enough, you may even be able to count AP courses as college credits, giving you a head start when you go to college.

But just what can you expect from an AP exam? And exactly how high of a score do you need to count an AP course toward your college degree? Will the blood, sweat, and tears be worth it? (Okay, we're being dramatic - they're not that bad.) Get the facts on AP exams below.

AP test structure

Advanced placement exams aren't all identical. For example, the AP Studio Art exam requires you to submit a creative portfolio for review. However, other exams are more standardized.

In most cases, exams are two to three hours long and consist of a mix of multiple-choice and free-response questions. The free-response questions could require solving a problem, writing an essay, or even speaking. For example, a language exam may require a speaking portion.

AP courses and subjects

AP courses aren't standardized across the US school system, so some high schools may have a large selection of options - while others have zero. If your high school does offer AP courses, it's worth exploring them.

Taking these classes can elevate your GPA and make for a more impressive transcript. When you take an AP, you're showing college admissions counselors that you're eager to learn and up for a rigorous education. Plus, there's the fact that if you do well on the AP exam, you may be able to get college credit for it (more on that below).

Exactly what kinds of AP classes are available? You'll have to check what your high school offers. Popular options include:

• Biology
• European History
• Music Theory
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Human Geography
• Physics C
• World History
• Art History
• Spanish Literature
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• English Language 
• English Literature
• Chemistry

This course index has a full list.

When picking which AP courses to take, consider your future plans for college. For example, if you're planning on going pre-med, it makes sense to take science classes like biology and chemistry. Dreaming of a major in communications or journalism? The AP English exams are a solid choice.

Exam prep and registration

If you've decided you're ready to take an AP exam, the first step is to join your AP class section via the College Board website (collegeboard.org). You'll have to set up a College Board account register for the exam. When you register, the AP coordinator at your school will be alerted that you want to take the exam and order the test for you.

Your AP coordinator will also collect any exam fees needed. Within the U.S. and Canada, the standard AP exam fee is $97. Late order fees are $40. In most cases, you'll need to register by November - otherwise you'll have to pay the late fee. Register on time and hang on to your hard-earned cash!

With the admin taken care of, it's time to start preparing. You probably want to leave one to three months of study time to review relevant content, take practice tests, and get used to the test-taking format. Your old AP course materials are a great resource as you prepare. Review old essays, quizzes, and tests to refresh your memory. There are also AP exam books and prep courses you can check out. 

Another thing to keep in mind as you prepare for the test is that it's timed. Taking practice tests can help you get a better sense of how many minutes to devote to each section of the test, ensuring you don't unexpectedly run out of time on the actual AP exam date.

Exam day guidelines

If you've never taken an AP test before, exam day can be nerve-wracking. We'll give you some spoilers on what to expect to alleviate those jitters. Once you're registered for your exam, visit the course page to get essential information like when it will take place, how long it will last, and what format you can expect.

On the day before the exam, make sure you have all of the materials you'll need. For paper and pencil testing, that includes two sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers, two pens with black or dark blue ink, and a watch without any internet access or alarm. The other required items depend on the test. For example, you can use an approved calculator for AP Calculus or Chemistry and a ruler for AP Physics. 

Check out this list for details on what items to bring to what exams. Also, be aware that certain items are prohibited in the exam room, including your smart watch, phone, or fitness tracker.

AP exams are usually administered on school property in a monitored classroom. There are morning exams and afternoon exams, so make sure you get the timing of your exam right. Other than that, all you have to do is get a good sleep the night before and keep your cool! If you struggle with test stress, try breathing or meditation to soothe your nerves.

AP scoring and credit policies

All AP tests are scored on a scale of one to five, five being the best. The scores are usually released in early July (testing dates are in May). The AP exam score won't affect your high school grade point average - although taking AP courses alone can give it a boost.

That said, a good AP test score can help you earn college credit, depending on the school. Every college and university has its own policies. Some will only award credit if you get at least a four, while others will only award credit if you get a perfect five. You'll have to check with the school in question to see how they handle AP scores and what kind of credit they may award.

Even if you don't get college credit from your AP exam, taking AP classes and doing well on the tests can help you stand out in the college admissions process. Signing up for notoriously tough AP classes shows that you're motivated and ready to take on the challenge of a college-level curriculum.

AP exam FAQ

Still confused about AP exams and not sure if they're worth your time? We've summarized the essentials with these frequently asked questions. Read on for the TL;DR version of this article.

What are AP exams used for?

Want to impress your future alma mater? Get a great score on an AP exam. Taking AP courses shows that you're the kind of high-achiever schools want. 

Plus, a good score on an AP exam can earn you college credit. Every school has its own rubric for accepting AP scores, but in most cases you'll need to score at least a four or five (out of five) on the exam to get college credit.

Do AP classes or exams boost your GPA?

AP exams don't impact your high school GPA. Even if you get a perfect five out of five, it won't make a difference. But taking AP courses can impact your GPA. For many schools, AP scores are more heavily weighted (similar to honors courses). 

However, while an honors course usually adds 0.5 points to your GPA, an AP class can add an entire point. This means you can even crack that elusive 4.0 GPA.

Compare schools that accept AP credits on College Rover

Let's get real: If you're going to brave the world of AP exams, you want to make sure it's worth your while - right?! Here's a little secret: You can do your research before you even apply to school to find out which ones will accept AP credits and on what terms. College Rover helps you compare schools, giving you an easy overview of everything from location to student body statistics, admissions policies, and more.

Once you've picked your dream school, College Rover has the resources you need to help get you through the admissions process. Check out our guides to taking a college tour, writing a personal statement, and more. We can't take your AP exam for you, but we can help you with your college applications!

Start by comparing schools on College Rover.