Advanced Placement (AP)[1] is a program in the United States created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. The Advanced Placement Program (AP) offers university-level courses and exams that students can take while pursuing IBDP. Performing well in an AP Exam is of much more value than just completing the mere course. Most US colleges award students with qualifying AP Exam scores college credit, the opportunity to skip intro-level crash courses in the subject, or both.
All universities in the US and many in Canada recognize qualifying AP scores of 3 or higher or AP scholar or AP diploma, for credit or scholarships. The AP subject scores help the admission officers to understand the student’s skills and knowledge about the subject in addition to their IB scores. If IB subject scores achieved by a student do not fulfill the criteria of a particular college of North American universities, then AP scores help immensely to support the student. Also, if a subject has been taken at IB SL level, then AP in that subject helps in the college admission. AP preparation needs a minimum of 6 to 7 months. If the student is not scoring 4 or above, there is no point in giving the exam.
If SAT subject scores are not that high, AP scores serve the purpose. On a regular SAT or a regular ACT, if English and Mathematics scores are low, an AP score in that subject will help the student secure admission to the good US and Canadian colleges.
Generally, students appear for multiple subjects. For more details on the AP courses and exams, including course and exam descriptions, sample free-response questions & scoring guidelines, study skills, and exam tips, please visit the official website https://apstudents.collegeboard.org
Registration for the AP examination is done through the school only. AP exam is held once a year. Each year, the AP program recognizes students who have performed exceptionally well in the AP examinations. Usually, AP exams are held in May and the awards are given in September.
