The College Board, the nonprofit organization that sponsors the Scholastic Aptitude Tests used for college admissions, also administers the Advanced Placement Program. More than 90 percent of all U.S. colleges participate in the AP program by granting course credits to students who score well on the exams. Freshmen who begin their college careers with credits have more options in planning their majors. AP credits are usually accepted in place of freshman courses, and students can earn credit for a semester or an entire year. AP students have more time to pursue double majors, study abroad or participate in other special programs.
The College Board offers AP exams once every year in May. Students who take the exams earn a score of 1 to 5. Roughly 60 percent of students who take the tests earn a score of 3 or above. Colleges differ on the minimum score needed to earn credits. Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio grants credit to students who earn a 4 or 5. Colorado State University awards credit for scores of 3 or above in many departments. Some colleges such as Harvard have more complicated AP standards that require students to earn a 5 on at least four different AP exams. Those students can then apply for advanced standing and have their AP exams used as college credits toward early graduation.
The College Board sends AP exams scores to colleges in July. Most colleges accept or reject applicants earlier in the year, so high school seniors who prepare for the tests on their own probably don't gain any advantages with admissions officers. High school juniors can have their scores sent as part of a college application. Students who take AP courses will have transcripts that show they participated in the AP program. AP courses are tough; they require far more effort and work than a typical high school course. No matter what a student scores on an exam, participating in a rigorous AP course is a plus on a college application.
The College Board provides materials for students who want to prepare for the AP tests on their own. Whether students take AP courses or study independently, they' work at a college level. Many freshmen are overwhelmed by the difference between the academic expectations in high school and those at most colleges. Involvement in the AP program gives students a taste of what colleges require ahead of time. Going in knowing what's ahead is a major advantage.
College tuition is a huge cost. Students who earn college credits though AP exams save some money on overall tuition bills and books. Students who earn enough credits to shave a semester off the time required to fulfill graduation requirements may also save a significant amount on living expenses.