AP Tests

(The following content was previously available on guideforparents.com, developed and maintained by Jan A. Maas)

The AP, or Advanced Placement, program enables students to take college-level courses during their high school years. At present there are 34 courses in 19 subjects, and they are offered at 60% of US high schools, and other schools throughout the world. In May 2005, students at more than 15,000 schools in 100 countries took 2.1 million AP exams. The tests are administered by the College Board.

Taking the courses — and the tests — is challenging, but the advantages for high school students are significant: they develop deeper intellectual skills and gain confidence in their own abilities. At the same time, college admissions officers view a student's willingness to take AP courses as a sign that he or she is serious about academic work.

Here are some links that lead to facts about the APs.

AP Central:  This is the College Board's main page about the AP Tests. Register and log in any time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):  Such as: "What is the AP program?" "How many colleges accept AP grades?"  

AP Preparation:  College Board resources, including CD-ROMs and online essay help.