Advanced Placement or AP tests are standardized exams which test your proficiency in different academic areas. Currently, the College Board offers 38 AP tests, covering subjects in science, math, and humanities. These exams are not required for most colleges, but they are recognized as a great addition to your academic profile. Visit AP India for general information, updates, and FAQ.
For the year 2021, each test will cost ₹15000-₹18500 and you can take all tests digitally at home. If you can afford them, we recommend taking a few AP tests to bolster your academic profile. Unlike school grades, which aren't standardized and depend on various factors like course difficulty, AP test scores give colleges an unbiased parameter for comparing academic performances of applicants from around the globe. Depending on your scores, most colleges offer college credit for many AP tests. This credit will save you time and expenses in college as it will allow you to skip certain courses.
However, AP tests are expensive and you should not take them if they present financial hardship. AP tests are not vital to your application. You can show your academic proficiency through other ways including (but not limited to) school grades, Olympiads, independent study projects, internships, research, etc. For more information, refer to the How do I build my profile section of this guide.
<aside> ❓ What about SAT Subject Tests? SAT Subject Tests are no longer offered by the College Board. You cannot take them anymore. This leaves AP tests as the only standardized exams which can showcase your academic strengths.
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You can take AP tests only once in a year in May or June for every subject. While it is possible to take these tests in any year in high-school, most people choose to take them in 11th and 12th grades. This is because the content covered in the tests is advanced for 9th and 10th grades. You should check the course content, sample exams, and other information AP tests here before you register for a test. Try to schedule at least one AP test in 11th grade. This will save you time later on and reduce pressure. You will have to take other AP tests in 12th grade.
There are some AP tests that you can't take in the same year (for example, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC). Make sure you plan your AP schedule for two years if you are in class 11th. Additionally, you can't retake the same AP test in the same year. Since these tests are expensive, you should prepare well enough to score high on your first attempt.
You should take those AP tests which align with your academic interests and strengths. If your school doesn't offer a certain subject you want to pursue in college, taking an AP test for that subject is a good idea. This will allow you to explore the course as well as demonstrate your interest and capability to colleges. As for the number of tests you are allowed to take, you can take as many as you want provided they do not fall in the same time slot. However, while selecting tests, you should keep in mind the expenses and preparation time involved with respect to your regular coursework and activities. Students usually take up to 3 AP tests in one year.