Advanced Placement

What is Advanced Placement?

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program accepted world-wide, created by the U.S. based College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities often grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a globally recognized college admission test that lets students show colleges what they know and how well they can apply that knowledge. It tests their knowledge of reading, writing and mathematics. The SAT II’s are a set of more than 20 different tests focusing on specific disciplines such as English, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Foreign Languages. American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized test for high school achievement and college admissions in the United States and Europe. Accordingly, AP courses are comparable and equivalent to A Levels.

Stand Out in College Admissions

Stand Out in College Admissions Deciding to take an AP course lets colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see “AP” on your transcript, they know that what you experienced in a particular class has prepared you well for the challenges of college. Taking AP is a sign that you’re up for the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer.

Earn College Credit​

By taking an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses: most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP Exam scores. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a second major. AP can transform what once seemed unattainable into something within reach.
Check out specific colleges’ guidelines on accepting AP scores for credit and placement by searching our AP Credit Policy database.

Skip Introductory Classes​

If you already know your preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the exam can help you avoid required introductory courses – so you can move directly into upper-level classes and focus on the work that interests you most. Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to your major – whether or not you know what you want to major in – can place you beyond your college’s general education requirements. This opens up additional time on your schedule, enabling you to do a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue additional interests.