Make Sure You’re Signed Up!
Although the timeline may vary depending on the school you attend, many students planning on taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams in the spring need to be signed up by mid-November. Typically, students do not sign up themselves; instead, their schools sign them up and order the tests for their students.
You can check the College Board’s website for information about ordering AP exams.
It’s important to remember, however, that decisions about AP exams should be considered in the context of your overall course load, how many other exams you are preparing for, whether your class is aligned with an AP test, and whether a particular test will help you with college admissions or credit. It is not the case that more exams are always better!
With those qualifications stated, here are some reasons students elect to take AP tests:
1. College Credit
Advanced Placement courses are college-level classes that students can take in high school. Many colleges will allow you to obtain college credit for an AP class if you get a 3 or above on the culminating exam. Some colleges will allow you to skip introductory courses and start higher-level classes if you have a qualifying score on an AP exam.
This allows you to dive into classes where your passion lies earlier on in college. It can also save you time completing your degree. You could use the space in your schedule to study abroad, take on a minor, or save money.
To learn if a school you’re interested in will award college credit for a qualifying score, check out the College Board’s website.
2. Admissions
Colleges like to see that students have challenged themselves in high school by taking rigorous classes. Taking an Advanced Placement course and doing well on the exam shows colleges that you are capable of doing college-level work and that you are willing to push yourself academically. Of course, Honors, Advanced, or IB classes will also show colleges that you are challenging yourself.
Some colleges will allow you to use AP scores in lieu of SAT Subject test scores in their admissions requirements. Georgetown University, for example, changed its admissions policy to allow students to submit AP scores in lieu of the three recommended subject test scores.
3. Combats Grade Inflation
In the wake of rampant grade inflation, colleges are increasingly looking for standardized methods of determining a student’s level of academic attainment. The same AP tests are taken across the country—meaning colleges can trust the consistent scoring of these exams and, therefore, put greater faith in the academic components of your application.
AP exams are also a bit more specific to your interests than the SAT/ACT. While these standardized tests are another metric colleges love to see, the great variety of AP exams gives you the chance to take a class that’s close to your heart while winning points on your college application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I take an AP exam even if I’m not enrolled in an AP class?
Yes, although not all high school courses are aligned with AP exams. You should ask your teacher if your course aligns well with an AP exam. Some students taking rigorous classes in U.S. History, Literature, or Biology, for example, will have all the information they need to do well on an A.P. exam. However, they’ll need to familiarize themselves with the exam format because they differ from other tests taken in high school. The College Board offers sample exams and questions on its website. Talk with your teacher to see if they think you will be prepared to take an exam. You can also contact Marks Education for additional materials and assistance with taking a baseline test to determine your readiness for the test.
What can I do if my school does not offer AP classes or exams?
You need to find a school and coordinator who will administer the exam and ask them to sign you up. To find out more about this process, check out the College Board’s website.
Still have Questions?
Contact Marks Education for more information on AP courses and how our tutors can help you prepare.
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