3 Good Reasons to Take AP Exams

Every spring, millions of students around the world take their AP Exams, completing what they began and giving themselves a chance to stand out to universities and scholarship organizations. It's now up to you to end the year strong.

Here are three reasons why you should take your AP exams:

1. Receive the Credit You Deserve

Earning college credit or placement while in high school can help you save time and money in the long run. If you pass an AP Exam, you will only be able to gain college credit or advanced placement.

Three out of four AP students enrolled in a four-year college or university start school with some AP credit. This gives you the flexibility to change majors, pursue a second degree, or study abroad. By skipping introductory college classes, you can free up time for courses you’re interested in and have the chance to graduate early.

2. All AP Exams Have Benefits

Completing an AP course and exam means you’ll have taken college-level coursework in high school. No matter your score, preparing for and taking your AP Exam sharpens skills you need to transition from high school to college. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams have better college outcomes than their peers. Whatever your score, taking an AP Exam can keep you on track for college.

• The majority of students who score a 1 or 2 on their first AP Exam are likely to improve their score on a future exam.
• Students who achieve an exam score of 2 do significantly better in introductory college classes.
• Students who achieve exam scores of 1 or 2 are still more likely to attend college and graduate on time (than academically similar students who don’t take AP).

Your AP class is similar to the courses you’ll experience at college. And like a college course, it’s important to finish strongly by taking your AP Exam and seeing the class through to the end. Regardless of your exam score, the hard work you put in all year will benefit you in college and beyond.

3. Stand Out to Colleges, Universities, and Scholarship Programs

Taking an AP Exam helps you stand out to colleges, universities, and scholarship programs by showing them you’re willing to work hard to complete college-level work.

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