Taking the AP exam is NOT REQUIRED for the AP course although the course prepares students for the exam.
Most students choose to take the optional exam in hopes of scoring well and earn college credits...saving time/money in college.
This link details which exam scores are accepted by colleges: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies
AP exams are bonus - "icing on the cake."
The AP course grade is more important than the AP exam score to colleges/universities.
High School course transcripts are sent separately from AP exam score report transcripts. Future colleges/universities will not know what AP exams were taken unless students send them.
It is 100% student-choice to take an AP exam.
Scholars who are doing well in the AP course usually do well on the exam so all are encouraged to take the exam.
However, these exams are several hours long and during the school day, which may require students to make tough choices on how to best use their time in the final weeks of school.
For some scholars, the stress of the experience has resulted in them literally trembling, crying, or vomiting in the exam room. No exam is worth this damage to self-esteem! Families are strongly encouraged to NOT pressure scholars to test if they are not ready.
using a personal email, students will make an account then use join codes for each exam they plan to take
select your school's page below for your unique links
AP exam fees are determined by AP website registration date and SDUSD offers discounts for students/families who meet the AP discount guidelines.
select your school's page below for your unique links