AP Exam Information

What are Advanced Placement (AP) Exams?

• A way to demonstrate academic strengths in fields of great interest and achievement.
• AP courses/exams were designed to enable students to earn college credit and placement. AP is just one type of rigorous/challenging high school coursework.
• AP scores are not required for U.S. college admission and they do not strengthen your application
• Exams are 50% Multiple choice questions, 50% Free Response Questions (essays or problem solving)
• Exams are 3 to 3 ½ hours long.

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Who might consider taking an AP exam?� �

• You are taking an upper level class (next slide) in a subject that you just LOVE - it fascinates you, might be something you’d study in the future.
• You achieve at a consistently high level in this subject.
• You might even think its kind of fun to take a test in this subject - it's that awesome!
• You might apply to universities outside the United States where content-based exams may be required.�
• You don’t hesitate at the idea of independent study (see links) to prepare for the AP exam.
• Read about exam content, scope, skills, formats
• Study with online or prep book resources

After what course could I consider an AP exam?

Subject Option after taking this SPA course:

• Engl. Lang: Junior/Senior electives
• World Lang: Advanced Language courses beyond Level IV
• History: Gr. 10 World History II, Gr. 11 US History �
• Calculus: Calculus A/B option for AB Calculus exam

Calculus C option for BC Calc exam

• Statistics: Advanced Probability and Statistics �
• Science: Adv. Biology

Adv. Chemistry

Adv. Mechanics with Calculus

Electricity & Magnetism with Calculus

• CSCI: CS Principles

Advanced Programming

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Other AP subjects?

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SPA hosts AP exams that correlate with an SPA course as an opportunity for interested students.

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If we do not teach a course in a subject, we will not host the exam in that subject.

It’s your choice; be thoughtful about it

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• Each year about 75-100 SPA students (mostly juniors/seniors) take AP exams after carefully researching whether this makes sense for them.
• You don’t take an AP exam “just to see how it goes.”
• It requires a more thoughtful, planful choice.

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Scores on AP Exams

• Exams are scored 1-5, and 5 is the highest. Typical AP scores for SPA students: 90% are 3 or above. 67% are 4 or 5. Scores at this level may help you start college courses at a higher level.�
• NEW: As of 2024-25, students will choose and manage when they wish to include AP scores in applications to programs or colleges; scores of 4 and 5 will not be on SPA transcripts.

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When are AP exams?

• AP Exams are offered ONCE a year in May, on a fixed national schedule on weekdays (school days). �
• The 2024-25 AP Exam Schedule is May 5-16 2025

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• Each exam lasts about 3 ½ hours -- a full morning or afternoon. (You miss two class periods)
• 8:00 - 11:30 or
• 12:00 - 3:30�

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Where can I learn more about these AP exams?�

• Wise decision to learn more before you register.�
• Read this document: Understanding AP Exams at SPA
• Read the information linked for each exam subject on this chart: AP Exam Registration Codes and Exam Prep Links which is in the AP section of the Testing Page of our website. �
• If you decide to register, that sheet also has the “Join Code” you’ll need. �

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When to register, what does it cost?

Main deadline Friday Nov. 8 - encouraged IF you:

• are pretty sure of your plans (even excited to try AP).
• are taking a class in which some students typically try AP exam and you are achieving at a consistently high level.
• are willing to devote time on your own to prepare through independent study.
• Fee for exam taken will be $55, billed by SPA in May.�

Or by March 10 - note there is an extra fee.

• College Board late fee $40, making per/exam cost $95
• College Board cancellation fee is $40
• Register “Late” (after November) then cancel = $80
• Fees are billed by SPA in May.
• Be sure of your plans before registering.

How do I register?

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• Register ONLINE in your individual college board account, the same account used for looking up P/SAT scores or registering for SAT.
• More info about exam room and logistics will come from College Counseling after spring break.�
• You will need the Join Code for your exam to “join the exam-only section of the AP.” Codes found on this chart: AP Exam Registration Codes and Exam Prep Links which is in the AP section of the Testing Page of our website.

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• Exam fees are paid AFTER taking a test, not when registering, charged to your SPA student account in late May. Schools collect the fees, then send to College Board.�

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Recap … if you are considering an AP exam:

• Understand the test before you register to make an informed decision.�
• If sure of your interest this fall, please register by Friday November 8 or Monday March 10.

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• If you are not sure, wait until February/ March but know the fee to take the exam will be $95 not $55.

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• Questions? See your college counselor or anyone in our office!

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