What is the Purpose of AP?
Students taking the AP exam gain a significant advantage in college by earning credits and placement even before they start, which allows many to begin their four-year programmes with credits already in hand. This can save both time and money, as students can graduate early and avoid taking certain classes. A strong AP score not only highlights a student’s motivation and commitment but also opens doors to opportunities like internships and the flexibility to change majors or pursue additional degrees. Additionally, taking AP exams prepares students for college-level work, boosts their confidence, enhances critical thinking and time management skills, and can improve their GPA, setting a solid foundation for their future careers.
Types of AP Exams
There are seven categories and various subjects offered under each of these categories.
| Ap Capstone Diploma Program | Arts | English | History & Social Sciences | Math & Computer Science | Sciences | World Languages & Cultures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Research | 2D Art Design | English Language & Composition | Comparative Government & Politics | Calculus AB | Biology | Chinese |
| AP Seminar | 3D Art Design | English Literature & Composition | European History | Calculus BC | Chemistry | French |
| Drawing | Human Geography | Computer Science A | Environmental Science | German | ||
| Art History | Macroeconomics | Computer Science Principles | Physics 1- Algebra | Italian | ||
| Music Theory | Microeconomics | Precalculus | Physics 2- Algebra | Japanese | ||
| Psychology | Statistics | Physics C – Electricity & Magnetism | Latin | |||
| US Government & Politics | Physics C – Mechanics | Spanish Language | ||||
| US History | Psychology | Spanish Literature | ||||
| World History: Modern |
AP Test Format
Let’s Understand the AP Exam Timing and Structure
The requirements for each AP exam are different, but there are a few common aspects to almost all AP exams.
Duration: Most exams are 2 to 3 hours long.
There are two sections in each AP exam:
Section 1:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Score is based on the number of correct responses
- There is no negative marking for wrong or unanswered questions
Section 2:
- Free-response questions
- Responses could be in the form of an essay, a solution to a problem, or a spoken response
When are the AP exams administered?
The AP exams are conducted over two weeks in May every year.
There are two slots each day, allowing students to take two AP subject exams per day.
AP Exams for Indian Students
AP exams are conducted in authorised test centres in India. Students who want to take the AP exams need to register with these centres before the deadline. Some schools in India offer both AP programs and exams. These test centres are open to all students eligible to take the AP exam.
AP Test Registration
The test registration process begins in September of the previous year and extends until mid-November. For example, a student who wants to take the AP exam in May 2024 should complete registration between September to mid-November 2023. Some centres may close registration early. Some test centres also open a second registration window from December to March with an additional registration fee.
The list of authorised testing centres is available on the College Board website.
Who is eligible to take the AP test?
- Students enrolled in secondary school
- Secondary-level homeschooled students
- Enrolled students who are prepared to take the AP in the ninth grade
- Recent secondary school graduates who need to take the AP for university admissions
Additional Testing Policies for the AP Exam:
- Students can take any or all the 4 Physics exams in the same year.
- You cannot retake an exam in the same year but can do so in the subsequent year.
- Calculus AB and BC cannot be taken in the same year.
- Scores for subjects that require a portfolio to be submitted will be released only if the portfolio work is completed.
- AP exams are administered only at the centre, there is no home testing for international students.
AP Scoring Pattern
AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Many colleges grant credit or advanced placement for scores of 3 or higher. The credit or advanced placement varies from university to university and depends on the specific program of study. The score requirement for each subject may also differ within the same university. For example, University X might require a score of 3 for Physics and a score of 4 for Chemistry to qualify for credit or advanced placement.
| Exam Score | Recommendation | Grade equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified | A+ or A |
| 4 | Very well qualified | A-, B+ or B |
| 3 | Qualified | B-, C+ or C |
| 2 | Possibly qualified | |
| 1 | No recommendation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take the AP exam even if you have not enrolled in the AP program. You need to know the skills assessed in the AP exam and study the outlined content.
If the AP exam is not administered at your school, you need to contact another local school that administers the required AP exam.
You need to contact a local school that administers the AP exam and register for the exam through them.
The average score on the AP exam is 2.96.
You can take the AP exam multiple times, and all your scores will be included in the score report.
Using the free score send option, the college will receive the scores once they are released.