All About AP Exams

Everything you need to know to plan for your AP exams: test dates, how to register, score information, and study tools.

What is Advanced Placement and why is it important?

AP ^® tests are college-level exams on specific subjects and are administered in May upon the completion of an AP course taken at a student's high school. At many colleges and universities, a high enough score will earn the student college credit. In some instances, earning college credit can mean an overall lower college tuition bill. Learn more about why taking AP classes can be a smart choice.

AP tests are only offered during a two-week period in May, so if you're going to take them, you need to plan ahead.

What specifically do the APs test?

A lot. Similar to the SAT Subject Tests, there are AP tests that cover a range of subjects from Biology to European History to Music Theory. There are currently over 38 AP test options, though few high schools offer classes in every subject. Want to know the full list? We're glad you asked. See the full list of AP subjects.

How are the APs scored?

AP tests are scored on a scale of 1–5. While every college is different, most schools won't accept AP scores for credit unless you score at least a 4. 

When are AP tests?

APs are administered every year during a two-week period in May.

When do AP scores come out?

AP scores are released each year in early July.
 

Do AP scores matter?

AP scores won’t affect your high school GPA or your chances of college admission. (The fact that you took AP courses when they were available is a different story!) But good AP scores can earn you college credit. Just remember that every school is different. Some won't accept credit unless you score a 5. Some won't accept them at all. Be sure to check with your top schools to understand how they handle AP scores.

How do I register for AP tests?

AP tests are administered by The College Board, which also administers the SAT. However, not all AP tests are offered at every school. If you have an AP Coordinator at your school, talk to them directly about registration. If your school doesn't have an AP Coordinator, you need to call AP Services no later than March 1 to get the contact information of your closest AP Coordinator. You can find the number for AP services on the College Board website.

How can I prepare?

We can help. We have AP prep solutions for every student and every budget.

AP Essentials Score Booster Sessions Live Online

The Best Instructors

Learn effective strategies from the experts who know the test inside and out.
 

Top Rated Content

Practicing with the right questions is key to success on the actual exam. Study smart with the best-selling content in the industry.
 

Exam-Like Experience

We ensure that our students practice not only with exam-like questions, but also in an environment that closely resembles the actual AP Exam.
The Princeton Review’s team is constantly monitoring and updating our materials to match the latest test versions.
 

AP Subjects Offered

AP Biology | AP Calculus AB | AP Calculus BC | AP Physics 1 | AP Physics 2 |
AP Physics C: Mechanics | AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism | AP Statistics |
AP English Language and Composition | AP English Literature and Composition |
AP World History | AP Chemistry | AP Psychology  
 

Prep Options 

Live Online & In-Person prep options are available for both group and private classes. 
 

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5 Benefits of Taking AP Classes in High School

Why take an Advanced Placement class? After all, high school is a pressure cooker. You already have to take the SAT, apply to college, and keep up with your extracurriculars. The last thing you may want to do is take a very demanding course, especially one that's not mandatory. But we recommend you consider it. Here are five ways AP classes can be a smart choice.
 

1. Prep for college

AP classes can be as challenging as introductory college courses. They are fast-paced, cover more material than regular classes, and require independent work like research and analysis. Getting a dose of a college-level curriculum early on could ease your transition from high school senior to first-year college student.
 

2. Rise to the top of the pile

Advanced Placement classes show admissions officers that you're ready for college-level work. Admissions counselors consistently tell us that good grades and academic rigor are the most important factors when schools  evaluate applications.  Even over standardized test scores!
 

3. Strengthen your transcript

Many high schools give extra weight to AP grades when calculating your GPA. Taking an AP class and getting a B is often a better choice than getting an A in a regular course.
 

4. Study what you love

There are 38 AP subjects from computer science to Japanese language and culture, although your high school may only offer some of these. If you're a science whiz, AP Biology or AP Chemistry may give you the extra challenge you crave. If you're the next Ernest Hemingway, head to AP English. Choosing a subject you’re interested in, or have had previous success in, will help you commit to the workload.
 

5. Get a head start on college reqs (and save some tuition dollars)

Taking an AP class is great prep for the acing the corresponding AP test. Held every May, AP tests are scored on a scale from 1–5.  If your college offers AP credit, a score of a 4 or higher could allow you to earn college credits without paying college tuition. Some students are able to skip the entire first year of college this way, thus cutting the entire cost of their college education by one quarter.