Navigating Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

The Advanced Placement or AP exams, administered by the College Board, offer school students an opportunity to take up rigorous coursework and showcase their academic aptitude during college applications. These are especially beneficial for students who want to pursue studies abroad in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, among others. Let’s explore the details of AP exam - its eligibility, subjects involved, dates, and more.

What is AP Exam

AP exams cover a wide range of subjects, from the humanities to STEM disciplines. These exams are typically taken at the end of an AP course, which is designed to mirror introductory college-level classes. Each exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. 

Why Take an AP Exam

The reasons of taking AP Exams are multifold-

1. College Credit: Performing well in AP exams can assist you earn college credit, also saving you precious money and time.
2. Advanced Placement: Good performance in these exams may place you in more advanced college courses. This means you can delve into higher-level subjects or even take extra elective classes.
3. College Admissions Boost: Impressive AP scores can make your college applications stand out. They demonstrate your commitment to academic challenges and readiness for higher education.

Eligibility Criteria for AP Exam

This list tells about the eligibility criteria  to take these exams:

1. The candidate's age must be lower than 21 years. 
2. A passport is required on the exam day.
3. The exam is conducted once a year, but you can appear next year for the same.
4. The candidate can appear in all 4 physics exams in a single year.
5. In the same year, the candidate can't take both Calculus AB and Calculus BC exams.

AP Exam Cost

In the table, the cost of the AP exam is discussed:

How to Apply for AP Exam

If you're considering taking the AP exam, the following is the way you can apply for the AP exam:

1. Contact the AP coordinator of your school to learn more about the registration process for the AP exam.
2. You can also talk to AP services directly by visiting the College Board website to see your nearest AP coordinator, who can assist you in the process.
3. Ensure to contact the right person by March 1.
4. If registering online, first create an account on the College Board website. 
5. Pay the exam amount directly to the test centre.
6. Once your seat is finalized, you will get an admission ticket from the test centre. 

Syllabus for AP Exam

The AP exam covers 38 subjects, just like SAT tests. These comprise of Social Sciences, History, English, Computer Sciences, Sciences, World Language/ Cultures, and Maths.. Let's understand the meticulous syllabus for AP Exam subjects:

When are AP Exams Held

AP exams take place over two weeks in May, from May 6-10 and May 13-17. But, the results usually arrive at the start of July every year. So, let's understand the exam dates for 2024 in detail.

Where are the AP Exams Held

AP exams take place at authorized schools in the United States - India Educational Foundation in 11 cities around India, including:

• Ahmedabad
• Bangalore
• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Kolkata
• Lucknow
• Chennai
• Amritsar
• Hyderabad
• Jaipur
• Rajkot

Score Range and Marking System for AP Exam

The following is the grading system and score range for the AP exam:

• AP exams have a 5-point marking scale.
• To pass, you need to score 3 or higher.
• Several international universities accept scores of more than 4.
• Some colleges may have strict criteria, which take a perfect score of 5 for credit acceptance.
• Before registering for the exam, first check the AP score requirements of the colleges you plan to study in.

Who Accepts AP Exam Scores

Top universities and colleges situated in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc. accept Advanced Placement exams. Here is the list of the 20 renowned universities abroad that accept the AP exams:

• Princeton University
• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Yale University
• Stanford University
• University of Chicago
• University of Pennsylvania
• California Institute of Technology
• John Hopkins University
• University of California
• Cornell University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Boston University
• New York University
• Duke University
• University of Southern California
• University of Michigan
• University of Illinois
• University of Washington

Conclusion

Overall, the AP exam brings numerous benefits for college. Remember to study thoroughly by analyzing every subject's question pattern and needs. You can make the most of this opportunity by following smart study techniques and the proper resources.

Read More:

• Exams to Write Study Abroad
• Exams for Studying Abroad