All students are encouraged to take challenging course work. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework is designed to be college preparatory work. Students who wish to take Pre-AP or AP coursework can expect the course to be both rewarding and challenging and should be prepared to spend a great deal of time devoted to homework and independent study. Students taking AP coursework are also required to take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course.
AP courses are designed to assist students in obtaining college credit by successfully taking the AP Exam; therefore, the courses are very rigorous. Most colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as colleges and universities in 24 other countries, have an AP policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both on the basis of their AP exam grades. Many of these institutions grant up to a full year of college credit (sophomore standing) to students who earn a sufficient number of qualifying AP grades. Students seeking credit through their AP grades should note that individual colleges and universities, not the College Board or the AP Program, grant course credit and placement. Because policies regarding AP grades vary, students should obtain a college’s AP policy in writing. Students can find this information by searching the institution’s catalogue or Website, or by using the “College Search” feature on collegeboard.com. Key questions include:
- Will credit or placement be available for qualifying AP grades?
- What minimum AP exam grade qualifies a student for credit or placement?
- Must a student fulfill other requirements to receive credit or placement?