AP exams also known as the Advanced Placement exams are specialized tests that are held subject-wise. Every subject has its own AP test and a different syllabus.
These tests are college-level tests that analyze a student’s capability and strengths for a particular subject. These AP Tests also at times help to check the competitiveness of the student’s application.
The college board holds the examinations and provides a standard way of analyzing a student’s aptitude for a particular subject.
The scores are applicable in USA and Canada and are valid for more than 30 subjects.
AP exams are not as popular as other examinations in India, but they play an important role when it comes to giving an edge to the profile and increasing its competitive nature.
So, here is a quick guide to understanding AP exams. This also aspires to motivate students to give the examinations a good try.
It is important to note that the experts from AllAssignmentHelp.com have curated this blog with care. This aims to help students get aware of the AP tests and also prepare well. Also, it is to bring in the notice that this blog does not aim in promoting any one brand or organization.
Important Points About The AP Exams
Here are some of the important points that will help students understand the AP exams better.
- It is an exam that is organized by the College Board and is applicable in universities in USA and Canada.
- The curriculum of the AP tests allows students to cover their courses in college.
- AP exams help in building credit scores. They also help students to have a kickstart in their respective colleges and courses.
- The duration of the exam ranges from 90 minutes to 200 minutes. Also, the students attain marks on a scale of 1-5, with 5 as the highest and 1 as the lowest score.
- The exam is mostly MCQ, however, there are some courses that might involve subjective questions as well.
- Despite 30+ courses around the world, there are only 22 courses that students can attempt in India.
We are sure that by now you are aware of the important points of the exam. Let’s now carry on with the nitty-gritty of it.
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Why are The AP exams Important to Students?
This exam is an international exam that is precisely tailored to each course. It is prepared to assess a student’s competence at the university level.
All students appear for the exam nationwide and at the same time on the same test.
It is important to note that this score does not affect high school grades. But it has more important features that make taking or attempting the AP exams worthwhile. The score attained in the given AP tests is commonly used at the university to determine the course selection.
If the students have a good score on their AP tests, those scores can act as additional credits while the students go ahead with their college. The scoring of the AP exam varies on a scale of 1-5. Getting a score of a 4 or a 5 on an AP exam is, of course a remarkable score.
Still not convinced about why this exam is important, well! Here are some benefits that will help you understand the importance of the AP exams.
- AP tests provide an edge to the applications of students. A good AP score can reflect the strong command of the student on the subject that he or she wills to go ahead with.
- AP exams help to kickstart the college and the course, since, a good AP score provides a good credit to the student that helps them to complete their graduation on time or even sooner.
- If you lag in your school application, then you can fill your gap by performing well in AP tests. These exams help students to cover any lag in their applications as well.
How To Prepare For AP Exams?
Now, the next question that would come to the minds of students is, How to prepare for the AP tests.
So, Below are some points that would help you prepare for these tests.
- After reviewing already completed subjects, you can perform exercises to review previous tasks and update your memory on a regular basis. This is one of the best strategies for effective learning.
- Mark the key points of each module that comes to mind and note the area where the problems occurred. In this way, you can try your hand at the daily or weekly study sessions for the AP exam. For best results, look at your tests and approach new materials on a regular basis.
- Please read the course overview and practice quizzes offered on the site regularly. This is very beneficial. You need to practice each topic that breaks down the main topics you want to know. Some subjects may also divide the percentage of exams that cover each topic.
- You can also find free question and answer samples from previous AP exams and modify the types of topics you can cover. It also makes the questions and scoring guidelines very clear and uses those answers and the observations of the exam statistics to sample the student’s answers.
- Don’t just rely on the faculty to finish your subject and prepare you. There is not enough time for a thorough fix. If you need external support, we have excellent tutors to help students prepare for tests, including AP exams.
- If you need the help of an expert or higher, you can rely on a trusted homework help service to help you with your submissions. to help in these matters. Many students find it very helpful to attend regular sessions with tutors to study the materials throughout the course. They will also help you prepare for future exams and the AP exams for the next session.
These are some of the tips that students can go ahead with while preparing for their AP tests.
What is The Best Time to Attempt AP Exams?
The best time to attempt the AP exams is below the age of 21 years since the eligibility criteria also state the same. Moreover, the candidates must possess their original and valid passport with them all throughout the AP exams procedure. In India, most students fill out the AP exam form in grade 11 or grade 12. However, some students also choose to sit for the exam in their 10th grade. This is so because the eligible age for the exam is just 21 years. A plus point about the examinations is that it is up to the candidate to decide how many times he or she wants to attempt the exam in a year.
Moreover, it is advised that students give the exam in the month of May to August. This is because during that time they are already in a preparatory mode, and also they can wrap up the exam by the time their school board or final exams come into the scene.
Hence, according to me, the best time to give the AP exams is when the students are in class 11th or 12th, and during the months of May to August.
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What is The Eligibility Criteria For AP Exams?
There is no set of eligibility rules attached to the AP tests. However there is only one limitation, and that is that the students should be below the age of 21 years when taking the tests. Other than that there are no particular eligibility criteria to apply for the tests.
However, this rule also has an exception. In case the students take a gap year for military service or any other special circumstances, then the exception of 21 years of age is applicable to the students, and the students can take the exam over the age of 21 years.
Moreover, it is also important to highlight that the student should hold a valid ID card or Passport for identification requirements for the tests.
The most interesting aspect of the examination is that a student can give as many or as less tests as he or she would like to. With a free hand in choosing the subject that the students would like to study further, they can build a strong profile by getting a good score on the AP exams.
What is The Exam Pattern And Format?
There are more than 30 courses for the AP test. However, it is up to different countries and test centers which all courses they want to conduct the tests for.
In India, out of 30+ courses, only 22 courses come in the limelight. The students of class 11th or 12th or below the age of 21 usually attempt these tests.
The duration of the AP exams ranges from 90 minutes to 200 minutes depending on the subject that the students aim to opt for. The questions in the exam are of two kinds, i.e. MCQ based and open response or long-form questions.
A scale of 1 to 5 is the evaluation parameter. Where 5 is the highest score and 1 is the lowest. There is a different degree of credits that are attached with each course. Moreover, students who achieve a score higher than 3 get an edge over other applicants while applying to the college of their dreams.
Also, it is important to highlight that the exam is in a pencil-paper format.
What is The Application Procedure For AP exams?
Each test center has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to applying for AP Tests. So, it is a smart thing to check your nearest test center. Confirm the application procedure and the rules and regulations that come along with AP tests.
Moreover, the application fee for a regular AP exam is USD 94, with a late fee of USD 40 and a late testing fee of USD 40. Also, students who wish to go ahead with AP Capstone (Seminar and Research) are USD 142.
Candidates must check with the test center on the application updates for the AP exams.
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Conclusion
AP exams are a great way to gain some credit before even attending college. These tests are not very popular, however, they can be of great benefit to the students. From helping students get an edge on their profile to helping them make up for the lost scores, these tests are great for students.
The exam doesn’t come with a long list of eligibility requirements, but the only eligibility they require of for the students to be below the age of 21 years, which too can be waived under special circumstances.
The test is held for several courses that the students can choose from according to the subject they would like to study further.
To summarize, the test is one of the best ways to put an edge on your profile and make it more powerful among the other applicants.
| Ques: Can students enroll for more than one test for AP? Ans: Yes, the students can enroll for as many tests as they would like. They will have to pay separately for each test, the fee that would apply. The students can choose from a range of 30+ AP courses that would be available in their test center. |
| Ques: How long before should I start with the preparation? Ans: Although, the answer to this question would vary from person to person. But we would recommend students to start their AP preparations 4-6 months before, as the syllabus of the AP test is vast and they come out as difficult examinations. |