Examination & Scores
The Advanced Placement (AP) exams are administered worldwide the first two weeks of May each year. Exams are typically 2-3 hours and include:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, document-based questions and oral response
Assistance is available for eligible students:
- Students on a free/reduced lunch waiver pay a lower fee.
- Other students can apply for a reduced fee if there is a financial hardship.
More information can be found about the exam dates on the College Board website.
Credit and Placement Opportunities
Students should decide to take the exams by checking the requirements of their preferred colleges and by conferring with the AP teacher to determine how well they are prepared. Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP credit and placement. The College Board website offers information about AP credit at thousands of college and universities.
No guarantee can be made regarding the success of the student’s performance on the national exam. Several factors can influence course and exam results: differences in study based upon the relevant AP Course Description, differences of instructional methods, differences in emphasis or preparation on particular parts of the examination, differences in pre-AP curriculum, or differences in student background and preparation.
Regardless of the score, the program has merit, as studies show that content of the AP courses is appropriate for sequential college work. All course work culminates in the national exam. It is, therefore, highly recommended that each student plan to take the May exam.
Final grades, based upon the entire exam, are reported on a five-point scale:
- 5 - extremely well-qualified
- 4 - well-qualified
- 3 - qualified
- 2 - possibly qualified
- 1 - no recommendation.
In July, the grades are sent to the students, their designated colleges, and their high school.