AP exams play an important role and are one of the most important indicators when applying to college.
Even if you do not participate in the IB program, AP exams can provide students with considerable bonus points whether they are applying to universities in the United States or the United Kingdom. In recent years, American universities no longer rely solely on SAT scores as the only evaluation criterion. Even popular California public universities (such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.) have stopped using SAT scores as a selection criterion.
Therefore, while maintaining the GPA on campus, AP exams have become a key factor in improving the competitiveness of college applications.We recommend that students strengthen AP subjects in high school and seek professional AP tutoring to obtain outstanding AP exam scores and increase their chances of being admitted to college.
*Some universities still consider SAT/ACT scores, but please refer to the official announcement of each school for specific standards.
➤ Advantages of taking the AP exam
AP = Advanced Placement, sponsored by the College Board (SAT sponsor), provides high school students with the opportunity to take advanced college courses and take corresponding exams. AP exam scores will be based on the student's performance and the policies of the college they plan to attend, with possible priority for college credit and a number of favorable bonus points:
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Take college courses first to expand professional academic knowledge and gain an in-depth understanding of corresponding subjects.
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Save time and money with merit-based college credit.
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To improve your chances of admission, AP exams can prove a student's commitment to their professional field and demonstrate their ability to challenge advanced courses, becoming an important factor in the college admissions process.
➤ Course subjectsAP subjects include 7 categories, with a total of 41 subjects, of which 39 subjects require AP exams, while other subjects are assessed through portfolios or specific methods. For related information, please click me
English | English Language and Composition English Literature and Composition |
Science | Biology Chemistry Environmental Science Physics 1: Algebra-Based Physics 2: Algebra-Based Physics C: Mechanics Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
History &Social Sciences | Comparative Government and Politics Human Geography Macroeconomics Microeconomics Psychology US Government and Politics US History World History: Modern European History |
Math & Computer Sciences | Calculus AB Calculus B.C. Precalculus Computer Science A Computer Science Principles Statistics Adopt Computer Science Principles Adopt Precalculus |
World Languages & Cultures | Spanish Language and Culture Spanish Literature and Culture French Language and Culture German Language and Culture Italian Language and Culture Chinese Language and Culture Japanese Language and Culture Latin |
Arts | Art History Music Theory Drawing 2D Art and Design 3D Art and Design |
Capstone | Research Seminar |
➤ Further reading:What’s the difference between AP Math and its dazzling array of options? How to choose?
➤ Further reading:AP World History or AP United States History? The decision is yours
➤ Further reading:An in-depth comparison of AP Physics 1, 2 and C
There are many ways to prepare for the AP exam. Even if the school already offers a rich one-year course, the following suggestions can help students prepare for the AP exam more comprehensively and increase their chances of receiving a 5:
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You can do AP planning before summer vacation to preview knowledge in advance and lay a solid foundation.
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When taking AP classes make sure to keep up with every concept and don't fall behind.
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Usually, you should take the initiative to ask questions to the teacher, or discuss homework with classmates to deepen your understanding.
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During school or before examsCome AEI seeks AP professional coaching! Plan and prepare for AP, sign up for sprint classes and online courses to ensure that you master every important knowledge point and effectively improve your subject strength and test-taking skills.
➤AP Exam Scoring Criteria
The AP exam is scored out of 5. If you want to get credit in college, it is recommended to score at least 4.
AP SCORE | MEANING OF SCORE | EQUIVALENT COLLEGE COURSE RANK |
5 | extremely well qualified | A+, A |
4 | Very well qualified | A-, B+, B |
3 | Qualified | B-, C+, C |
2 | Possibly qualified | N/A |
1 | No recommendation | N/A |
➤AP exam time
The AP exam is held every year in May and is available only once. The exam dates and times for different subjects are different, which are divided into morning session (8:00 am) and afternoon session (12:00 pm). There will be 2-3 exams in each session.
The duration of each exam is about 2-3 hours, and the fee for a single subject exam is US$127 (approximately NT$4,000). For detailed information on each subject, please refer to this link:AP exam subject details
AP exam scores are usually released around mid-July each year.
✨How to apply for AP exam?Click here to contact AEI now✨
➤ AP Exam Preparation Time Suggestions
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Year 1 of high school: Understand AP courses and exams, look for relevant information about the departments or universities you want to study, and make initial preparations for AP planning for one or two subjects.
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Sophomore year of high school: Learn more about the subjects that need to be tested and start preparing for the AP test projects in the two subjects.
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Senior year of high school: Continue to prepare for two subjects, prepare in advance the bonus points that will help you apply for college, and have enough time to review to reduce panic.
➤How many AP subjects should I take?
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For world-famous schools, such as Stanford University/UCLA, AEI recommends preparing for 6-8 AP subjects in high school and focusing on subjects that can achieve high scores.
➤Application of AP scores in international universities?
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More than 500 universities in more than 75 countries accept AP credit, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
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Many colleges consider AP scores for admission, credit, or scholarships.
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For example, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the UK, the University of Sydney in Australia, the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa in Canada, etc.
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For more related information,Can be referenced College Board international university recognized AP score list.
Are you still worried about AP subjects? immediately with AEI Education course consultant contact!