AP Exam Basics

Overview

AP® tests are college-level subject exams for high school students. Tests are historically hosted by the student's high school following the completion of the AP course in May; however, AP exams were successfully administered online in 2020 and may continue to be online in the near future.

While the scores you achieve on the AP exams won't factor into the admissions process, taking AP courses demonstrates your seriousness as an applicant. But that doesn't mean the exams aren't important: at many institutions, scoring 4+ will earn you college course credit. At some universities, even a 3—the minimum passing score for all AP exams—is enough to knock off a prerequisite or two.

Many students have been able to avoid the worst intro-level courses with strong AP scores, and many others have used their scores to take fewer classes freshman year as they adjust to the college environment. Others still have managed to graduate college a semester early with all of the AP credits they've amassed—a great way to save a lot of money.

No matter which way you use your AP scores, they will give you real flexibility once you get to college.

Number of APs

38

Cost

$94

per test

Scores

5

Max Score

Frequency

Once per year in May

AP Subjects