Hi there, I hope your preparation for SAT exam is going top notch or you would have already appeared for the SAT and evaluating your next move which is to get into Ivy League college or so to say Tier-1 college. Once you start understanding the application process, somewhere down the line you would realize that simply getting 1500 in SAT is not sufficient and you need something more. Apart from that you would also realize that in some of the universities the fees is too high and you need some kind of scholarship. But, they don’t come as easy as they say!!
So, How to increase your chances in getting into Tier-1 college of your choice ?? How to get fee reduction (up to 50%)?? How to get extra credits ?? How to finish your course before time ??
The answer is to take the “AP exam”. AP gives students a chance to tackle college-level curriculum while they’re still in school. And through taking AP Exams, students can earn college credit and placement.
The discussion below is most relevant for Indian students taking the AP exam.
Advanced Placement exams are conducted once in a year in the month of May and the application for the same opens in the month of September of the previous year. For example, if you are planning to appear for AP exams in May 2022, then the application process for the same will be open in the month of September 2021.
AP exam can be taken in 38 streams as mentioned below;
1) Math and Computer Science
AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A , AP Computer Science Principles , AP Statistics
2) Arts
AP Art and Design Program, AP Art History, AP Music Theory
3) Sciences
AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based, AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics
4) English
AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition
5) AP World Languages and Cultures
AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP French Language and Culture, AP German Language and Culture, AP Italian Language and Culture, AP Japanese Language and Culture, AP Latin, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture
6) History and Social Sciences
AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Psychology, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern
7) Arts
AP Art and Design Program, AP Art History, AP Music Theory
Benefits of taking AP
1) Earn College Credit
AP score could earn you college credits before you even start your graduation journey – So, basically every AP exam is conducted with a maximum band of 5. Usually depending on universities and different courses that you wish to apply for for, you may require different bands. In order to know what band you require, you’ll have to check it from the official website of university; however if you are targeting Tier-1 universities, then you need a minimum of 4 band out of 5. So, in simple terms, you need either 4/5 or 5/5 to get AP credits, thereby you don’t have to study that subject/course in the college.
2) Save Money and Time
It is usually recommended for a student to take at least 2 APs, depending on the stream they are pursuing, so for example let’s say you wish to pursue engineering so it is recommended that you take at least AP Math Calculus BC, AP Physics – Mechanics, AP Physics – Electricity and Magnetism. Now, if in case you appear for these three APs and are able to score the required score, then you will get credit for these subjects in your first semester or second semester (as applicable) and don’t have to study these subjects in your college, which means you don’t have to pay the fees for the same and will be graduated earlier. Let’s take a real life example, so if in case you take three APs scoring the required band and all the three courses are in your first semester, considering the fact that your first semester fees is $35000, you’ll have to paying around $20000 only, only also since you will finish your course earlier, you may graduate around 3-3.5 years only.
3) Shows you are interested
One of the most important and standout feature/aspect of taking AP during your school time shows that you’ve tackled college-level work and that you’re motivated to succeed in your field.
Registering for AP for Indian Students
Registration for AP Exams (conducted in May every year) at authorized test centers in India opens in the month of September. Each test center has its own registration and payment instructions. Be sure to check with your preferred test center so you do not miss their deadlines. Students must complete registration and payment directly with their selected test center between September and mid-November of the respective year in order to reserve an exam seat at a test center. Some test centers may offer a second registration window (February through mid-March 2022) but with additional fees. The first step in registering for AP exam is to select the center where you can sit for the exam. In India, there are approximately 20 cities where AP exam is conducted.
AP Tests centers in India
The entire list of cities with the link to test center can be checked at Taking AP in India – International | College Board. Remember that each test center has its own payment method so better to register yourself as early as possible.
AP Exam Eligibility
You must have either a valid passport or another valid, government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, to register and take AP Exams.
You must be under the age of 21 at the time of the exams.
You can take any or all of the 4 physics exams in the same year.
You cannot retake an exam in the same year, although you may retake it in a subsequent year.
You cannot take both Calculus AB and Calculus BC in the same year.
You cannot take 2 exams scheduled at the same date and time. Decide which exam you wish to take first and then take the other exam during the next testing window.
(If offered by a test center) AP Computer Science Principles Exam: To register, you must show you are enrolled in the corresponding AP course as there is a portfolio component that your AP teacher must review to receive a complete AP Exam score.
One may take as many AP Exams as one can prepare for each year. You have the flexibility to take just one or as many AP Exams that interest you. On an average a student takes 3 AP exams during school education.
Your AP score will remain valid until you start your college irrespective of the fact in which class you took it.
AP credits are accepted by over 500 Universities in over 75 countries, including the U.K., Canada and Australia. Many universities also accept AP scores for admissions, placement, and scholarship decisions.
Important Notes:
Q.1 How should you decide which AP exam to take ?
Ans. You can decide based on the college you are targeting, your college major, or your intended career. For example, if you plan to major in Aeronautical engineering, it may make sense to take AP Physics – Mechanics and AP Calculus BC.
Q.2 Why are some AP exams not offered by my test center ?
India test centers don’t administer certain AP Exams like AP Computer Science Principles, AP Seminar, AP Research, because students must be enrolled in the course at their school and will likely sit for these exams at school as well. Some test centers may not offer other exams because they may not have the equipment or resources necessary to administer them, such as computers or recording devices for the language exams and AP Music Theory.
Q.3 Can I postpone the AP exam once scheduled ?
No. If you cannot take an exam scheduled for this year, you will need to cancel or not sit for the exam. You will need to reregister for the exam next year. Be sure you are aware of your test center’s cancellation and refund policies before you register.
Q.4 Is there any other month in which AP exam is conducted apart from May ?
AP Exams are offered during the first two full weeks of May each year, followed by late testing (makeup exams) during the third week of May. Early testing or testing at times other than those published by the Advanced Placement is not permitted under any circumstances.
Q.5 Can I use any other document apart from Passport to register for AP exam ?
If you don’t have a valid passport, you may be able to use another valid government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, to register and take AP Exams. If you don’t have a valid government-issued ID, it is up to each authorized test center to decide if you can register with an alternate form of ID (for example, a school-issued photo ID), which you must also bring on exam day.
Q.6 How and when do I get my AP exam results ?
Scores are available in early July. Sign in with your College Board account, which is the same as your SAT account. AP score reporting services let you cancel exam scores, withhold scores, and send your score report to universities you indicate. AP provides one free score report to a university or institution of your choice. Additional score reports may be ordered.
