What is the Advanced Placement Program?

Advanced Placement courses provide a college-level curriculum while you are still in high school. With 37 courses and exams across 22 subject areas, AP offers something for everyone. Through AP courses, you enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities.

The only requirements are a strong curiosity about the subject you plan to study and the willingness to work hard. You may take an AP exam without enrolling in an AP class.

What subjects are covered?

Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Computer Science AB
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
French Literature
German Language
Comp Government & Politics
U.S. Government & Politics
Human Geography
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin Literature
Latin: Virgil
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. History
World History

Who takes it?

High school students can take AP exams starting in their freshmen year. More than 1.2 million students took more than 2 million AP exams in 2005. AP courses are offered in 60% of U. S. high schools, and over 90 percent of U. S. colleges and universities have an AP policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both, for qualifying AP grades. The percentage of U.S. public high school graduates who took an AP exam in high school increased from 15.9% in 2000 to 24.2% in 2006.

When are AP exams administered?

AP exams are offered during a 2-week period each May. Testing schedule for this year.

Why should I take an AP exam?

The best reason for taking an AP course is to get a head start on exactly the sort of work you will confront in college. In doing so, you will improve your writing skills, sharpen your problem-solving techniques, and develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework.

Another reason for taking on the challenge of AP is that it will help you stand out in the college admissions process by demonstrating your maturity and readiness for college, your willingness to push yourself, and your commitment to academic excellence.

You will also broaden your intellectual horizons by taking AP courses, by exploring the world from a variety of perspectives, studying subjects in depth and detail, and assuming the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself.

Where do I take AP exams?

Ask your high school counselor for information. Depending on your school district, you might take your exams at the high school, or at a centralized test site.

How do you pay?

Click for more information about fees and fee reductions. The program is administered through the College Board, but you register through your high school or school district.

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