Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities can offer placement and course credit to students who receive high scores on the examinations.
The AP exams begin on the first Monday in May and last two weeks.
Most exams are 2–3 hours long. The first part of the exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions. The total exam score on the multiple-choice section is based only on the number of questions answered correctly. Test takers do not lose points for incorrect answers or unanswered questions.
The second part of the exam usually consists of free-response questions that require test takers to create their own responses. The responses can be in the form of an essay, a spoken response, or a solution to a problem. Test takers write their responses in the exam booklet.
Students may take as many AP exams as they like each year. The average student takes 3 exams over their high school/secondary school years, although there are students who take more. It is ideal for students to arrive at their college or university with a core of 5 successful AP experiences.
AP tests are scored on a 1 to 5 scale.
The multiple choice component of the exam is scored by computer. The free response and essay portions are scored by trained Readers. The scores on different sections s are weighted and combined into a raw Composite Score.
Some universities use AP test scores to exempt students from introductory coursework, others use them to place students in higher designated courses, and some do both. Each university’s policy differs, but most require a minimum score of 3 or 4 to receive college credit.
There are currently 38 courses and exams available through the AP Program. A complete list of courses can be found below:
Students can feel overwhelmed if they plan to take several AP tests at the end of their junior year. It is a good strategy to start preparing for AP tests earlier on. At Puza Academy, we offer high school students academic support and test prep for their selected AP courses through private lessons and tutorial classes. Some of the most popular AP courses that are offered at our institution are: