Advanced Placement (AP)
AP is a rigorous academic program built on the commitment, passion, and hard work of students and educators from both secondary schools and higher education. AP classes provide students with college-level rigor while still in high school. Students may earn college credit through a score of 3 or better on AP course exams and or advanced standing in college. Other benefits may include:
Benefits of AP
Taking AP classes and exams can help students get ahead in high school and college.
Students will:
Build skills and confidence.
- AP students learn essential time management and study skills needed for college and career success.
- They dig deeper into subjects that interest them and learn to tap their creativity and their problem-solving skills to address course challenges.
Stand out to colleges.
- Students who take AP courses send a signal to colleges that they’re serious about their education and that they’re willing to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework.
- 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.
Succeed in college.
- Research shows that students who receive a score of 2 on their AP Exams are ready for college work.
- Research shows that students who receive a score of 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers.
- 3 out of 4 AP students enrolled in a four-year college start school with some AP credit.
Save time and money in college.
- Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time, which means they avoid paying for additional years of tuition.
- Most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. This can mean:
- Fulfilling graduation requirements early
- Being able to skip introductory courses or required general education courses
Share these benefits with your students and encourage them to commit to their AP Exams.
AP Is a Global Credential
Universities around the world recognize AP when making admission decisions, course requisites, and awarding university credit. In fact, half of the students entering four-year colleges are now starting school with some credit from AP courses.
Qualifying AP Exam scores earn university credit in nearly all universities in the United States and Canada, and are recognized in 60 other countries worldwide. Scores of 3 or 4 on AP Exams fulfill admission requirements in many universities in the UK and Europe.
Each college and university determines its own policies regarding AP Exam scores. For detailed information about the AP recognition policies of universities, use these searches:
- Global: Search AP credit policies
- Outside the U.S.: Search AP recognition policies (admissions, credit/placement, and scholarship considerations)
Learn more about AP course offerings, exam schedules, and exam registration and payment information.