Take senior AP Exams

Overview

AP exams are in early-to-mid May (May 4-15 for 2026). Take every AP exam you've prepared for; scores can earn college credit, placement, and sometimes honors.

AP Exam Schedule (Typical)

• Week 1 (early May): Major subjects
• Week 2 (mid-May): Continued major subjects
• Makeup week (late May): For missed or rescheduled

Check College Board AP Dates for specific subjects.

What Happens If You Don't Take the Exam

• No score sent to colleges
• No potential college credit
• No AP Scholar recognition
• You're still registered; missing is noted

AP Score Reporting

• Scores released in mid-July
• Free to send to any college (up to 4 scores per admissions year)
• Additional score reports $15 each

What Scores Mean

• 5: Extremely well-qualified (most competitive college credit)
• 4: Well-qualified (credit at most colleges for most APs)
• 3: Qualified (credit varies by college and AP)
• 2: Possibly qualified (usually no credit)
• 1: No recommendation (no credit, rare reporting)

College Credit Variability

Policies vary:

• Some schools: 4+ = credit for all APs
• Some schools: 5 required for some APs
• Some schools: No credit for certain APs (MIT, Caltech restrictive)
• Some schools: Credit but no advanced placement
• Some schools: Placement but no credit

Check Your College's Policy

After committing, log in to college portal and check:

• Which APs earn credit
• Required minimum score
• Credit hours awarded
• How it satisfies requirements (elective, major, general ed)

Strategic Exam Taking

• Take every exam you're enrolled for (even if unprepared)
• Worst case: low score, no report sent
• Best case: high score, college credit

Preparation Final Week

• Review past exam formats
• Practice full-length exams under timed conditions
• Sleep, nutrition, hydration

Test Day

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring ID, admission ticket
• Pencils, pen, calculator (where allowed)
• Snack, water
• No phones or smartwatches

Score Strategy

• Send scores ONLY to your committed school
• If undecided between schools, wait until commitment
• Can send later for credit evaluation

AP Capstone

If enrolled:

• AP Seminar: 2-score sub-score + final paper/presentation
• AP Research: Research paper + presentation
• Can earn AP Capstone Certificate or Diploma

AP Scholar Recognition

Based on scores, you earn:

• AP Scholar: 3+ on 3+ exams
• AP Scholar with Honor: 3.25+ average on 4+ exams
• AP Scholar with Distinction: 3.5+ average on 5+ exams

For Seniors

• Scores go on your final transcript
• Report to committed school for credit
• Can influence first-semester course placement
• AP credit may affect graduation timeline (earlier senior year, etc.)

If You Can't Take the Exam

• Medical reason: Contact College Board for makeup
• Other conflicts: Check with teacher or coordinator
• Cancellation: Some fees may be refunded

Cost

• Standard fee: $98 per exam
• Fee waiver: $33 per exam for eligible students
• Ask counselor about fee waivers