Advanced Placement (AP) is an academic program for high school students, which enables them to take university-level courses and exams, while still studying in high school. Through this program, not only can high school students get a taste for university-level studies, they can also earn college credit, which can help students graduate early.
Why Take AP Exams?
- Most colleges and universities within the U.S. and Canada accept AP exam scores for college credit. Aside from these, many universities within Europe also recognise AP courses, along with other universities around the world.
- College credit earned via AP courses during high school can enable students to graduate early, saving up to as much as a year of university education. This helps save on tuition and other living fees associated with studying abroad, and allows students to move on to the next stage of life – whether that be a higher level course, or a job – sooner.
- The variety of AP courses allow students to explore subject options that may not otherwise be available in their high school, enabling them to make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing optional classes in university.
- Students can earn scholarships and awards by doing well in AP exams. These can be offered directly by the college or university. Students also have the option of earning various non-monetary AP Scholar Awards, depending on their performance in the exams, which can add value to résumés. For more information on AP Scholar Awards, you can visit https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/ap-awards
Subjects
There are currently 37 courses and exams available through the AP program. However, only 24 of those courses are currently available in India. These courses fall under a variety of subjects, including the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and English. For a comprehensive list of the AP courses available in India, you can visit http://media.collegeboard.com/homeOrg/content/pdf/12b_6385_AP_IndiaBro_Update_WEB_120816.pdf
Costs
Registration for AP exams costs Rs. 9200 per exam.
Scoring
APs are scored on a scale from 1 to 5. Each score means the following:
- 1: No recommendation
- 2: Possibly Qualified
- 3: Qualified
- 4: Well Qualified
- 5: Extremely Well Qualified
A score of 3 or higher is considered to be a passing grade. However, depending on individual institutional regulations, you may need to receive a 4 or a 5 in order to be eligible for course credit.
If you’re looking to research the guidelines of particular colleges or universities, you can take a look at AP’s college database, which can be found at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies.
When Not To Take APs
The major benefit of the AP exams comes from the fact that they offer students a chance to earn college credit while still in high school. Similarly to the APs, the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum also offers students a chance to earn university credit before entering – or even applying for – university. While the APs are a series of additional exams alongside a student’s regular studies, IB is a dedicated curriculum, much like ISC or SSC, and has been gaining popularity in India over the past few years. Students take 6 subjects – 3 at a higher level (HL), and 3 at a standard level (SL). Currently, universities also offer credit for subjects taken at HL. Some universities may also offer credit for SL courses, however, this differs from university to university. As the IB curriculum also offers a chance to earn college credits, and is a rigorous course in its own right, it is usually recommended that students not take APs if they are studying under the IB.
APs In India
AP exams are slowly gaining popularity in India, leading a growing number of schools to offer them alongside their regular educational system. However, at the moment, only a limited number of high schools across the country offer the program.
If your high school does not offer the AP program, and you wish to appear for them, you have one of three options available to you:
- Studying for the APs on your own. You can visit https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-india-faqs.pdf for guidance as to where to procure textbooks if you are looking to self-study for the APs.
- Take an online AP course via an authorized AP online provider. You can search for authorized AP online providers at https://apcourseaudit.epiconline.org/ledger/, by searching for the word ‘online.’
- Contact teachers or institutions offering tutorials to help students prepare AP exams. The contact details of such teachers/institutions can usually be found via word of mouth, or through a quick Internet search.
Student Talk
While the reasons that a parent may encourage their child to appear for the AP exams may be many, students often have their own reasons for appearing for the same. These include:
- A common draw is the promise of college credit. This allows students to take a more relaxed approach at college, especially if they are looking to spend four years there, and are not looking to graduate early, already earned credit allows them to dedicate more time to extra-curricular activities, and other non-academic interests.
- Students also see AP courses as representing a chance to explore a passion that may not be offered as a regular subject in their current schooling system. Not only does this offer them a chance to explore interests, they can also “test” whether the subject would be worth taking when they are in university, especially if they are looking to take it as an optional course alongside a pre-chosen major. This is an especially strong draw for students whose high school courses offer APs alongside their regular curriculum, as there is greater ease in the study process for the exams – the school offers extra classes with teachers for students who are looking to appear for the exam.
There are a variety of resources available online if you wish to look further into the specifics of appearing for AP exams. Take your time, research until you are content that the AP program is the right choice for you, and only then make your choice!
–Rishika Aggarwal
