THE BOTTOM LINE
Along with test scores, colleges want students to challenge themselves with the strongest possible course load and best grades throughout their high school career. In addition to Honors and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, AP courses are regarded as the epitome of the most demanding courses offered in high school.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! AP Test scores are not a part of the College Board cumulative test reports. You must request that an AP Score Report be sent separately by calling toll- free (888) 225-5427.

HOW AP COURSES ARE DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR COURSES
AP courses are usually more demanding than regular courses. What this means is that you may have to read more and write more papers; analyze and evaluate more material; organize ideas; and solve more problems. As one student said, “I think AP classes call for more thought, synthesis, and application of material than regular courses, which often demand simple regurgitation of the material presented.” The College Board says that most AP classes are “comparable to sophisticated college courses.”

AP SCHOLAR AWARDS
All colleges, and especially selective colleges and the Ivies, are often impressed with any of the following AP Scholar awards given out each fall

AP SCHOLAR
Given to students who have taken 3 or more AP Exams for which they have received 3 or higher on full-year courses (or the equivalent).

AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR
Given to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION
Given to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

AP STATE SCHOLAR
Granted to one male and one female student in each of the US states and the District of Columbia with grades of 3 or higher on the greatest number of exams (at least three), and then the highest average grade (at least 3.5) on all AP exams taken.

NATIONAL AP SCHOLAR
Granted to students in the US who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEAR TIMELINES
AP exams are offered at high schools during the second and third weeks of every May. The exact time schedule for taking the AP tests can be found at: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal.html