Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

The Advanced Placement Test (AP Test) allows current high school students to demonstrate college level proficiency achieved in demanding high school course work. A student does not need to be enrolled in a specifically designated AP course to take the exam in that subject, but it is expected that advanced study in a demanding curriculum will be necessary to perform well on advanced Placement exams.

The AP exam is not required as part of the college admissions process, and many students who choose to take AP exams do so in the spring of their senior year, well after admissions decisions are made.

College policies vary in how AP scores are used. Students are advised to check with the college they plan to attend to determine the college’s policy on AP scores and whether an AP exam might be of use for a given student. High scores on AP exams may permit students to be exempted from certain college courses, may provide credit for some college course work, or may provide access into honors or other specialized programs.