Advanced Placement

WHAT IS AP?

AP stands for Advanced Placement. Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admission process, and save hundreds or thousands of dollars in college tuition.

AP courses can help students acquire the skills and habits needed to be successful in college. Students will improve writing skills, sharpen problem-solving abilities, and develop time management skills, discipline, and study habits.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF AP?

More than 90 percent of four-year colleges in the United States and colleges in more than 60 other countries give students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of AP Exam scores. By entering college with AP credits, students will have the time to move into upper level courses, pursue a double-major or study abroad.

AP students are more likely to graduate from college in four years. Students who take longer to graduate at public colleges and universities can spend up to $19,000 for each additional year. AP helps students qualify for scholarships... 31 percent of colleges and universities look at AP experience when determining scholarships.

SCORING THE AP EXAM

The composite score for each AP Exam is converted to a score of 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1. An AP Exam score of 5 is equivalent to an A in the corresponding college course; a score of 4 is equivalent to grades of A-, B+ and B; and a score of 3 is equivalent to grades of B-, C+ and C.

If a student scores a 3 or above on an exam, the college may give credit, advanced placement or both, saving hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the college a student enrolls in.

Exams are taken the first two weeks of May and score reports are available online in July.  Students can view their scores and choose to send scores to colleges using their College Board account at collegeboard.org.