

Everything you need to know about Advanced Placement testing, scoring, and college credit opportunities
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board that allow high school students to earn college credit and demonstrate mastery of college-level coursework. With over 38 AP courses available, these exams provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves academically while potentially saving time and money in college.
Usually 50-60% of total score
Computer-scored questions testing breadth of knowledge
Usually 40-50% of total score
Hand-scored essays, problem-solving, and analysis questions
Subject | Difficulty | Typical Credit Value |
---|---|---|
AP Calculus AB/BC | High | 3-8 credits |
AP English Literature | Medium | 3-6 credits |
AP Biology | High | 3-8 credits |
AP Psychology | Medium | 3 credits |
AP United States History | Medium | 3-6 credits |
AP Chemistry | High | 4-8 credits |
AP Physics 1 | High | 3-6 credits |
AP Spanish Language | Medium | 3-6 credits |
Understanding how students typically perform can help set realistic expectations:
Earn college credits while in high school, potentially saving thousands in tuition costs.
Demonstrate academic rigor and college readiness to admissions committees.
Skip introductory courses and move directly to advanced classes in college.
AP Scholar awards recognize students with exceptional AP exam performance.
Our expert tutors have helped hundreds of students achieve top AP scores. Get personalized support to maximize your AP exam performance.