Should I take AP Tests

At Ivy Central, students often ask us: Are AP Tests necessary? How many should I take? Do colleges care which ones I choose? This blog addresses those questions and helps you decide whether Advanced Placement (AP) exams should be part of your college application strategy.

What Are AP Tests?

Advanced Placement (AP) Tests are standardized exams offered by the College Board, typically taken in May at the end of a year-long AP course. (The exams happen once a year in May.) These courses are designed to mirror introductory college-level classes and are available in many U.S. high schools and international schools. Students can also opt to self-study or take online AP courses through platforms like Pearson or Johns Hopkins CTY.

Exam Format:

• Most AP tests include multiple-choice and free-response sections.

• Language exams include a speaking component.

• Music Theory includes sight-singing.

• Studio Art involves portfolio submissions.

• Exams are scored from 1 to 5, with:

  • 5 = Extremely well qualified

  • 4 = Very well qualified

  • 3 = Qualified

  • 2 = Possibly qualified

  • 1 = No recommendation

As of recent updates, the College Board now uses Evidence-Based Standard Setting (EBSS) to determine scoring thresholds, which has led to higher pass rates in some subjects.

Digital AP Testing: What’s Changing in 2025?

Starting May 2025, AP exams are moving toward digital testing using the College Board’s Bluebook app.

• Fully Digital (No Paper Option): Humanities and Computer Science exams, including AP English Language, U.S. History, and Computer Science Principles.

• Hybrid Format: Math and science exams like AP Biology, Calculus, and Physics will deliver questions digitally, but require hand-written responses for problem-solving sections.

What Subjects Can I Take?

The College Board offers over 30 AP subjects across STEM, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Popular and widely available choices include:

• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics 1, 2, and C

• Math: Calculus AB & BC, Statistics

• Social Studies: U.S. History, World History, Psychology, Government

• Languages & Arts: Spanish, French, Music Theory, Studio Art

Updated Physics Curriculum: For the May 2025 AP exams, the AP Physics curriculum has been updated to align more closely with college-level coursework, emphasizing clearer expectations for essential content and skills. The revisions include:

• AP Physics 1: A new Fluids unit has been introduced, expanding the course to eight total units.
• AP Physics 2: The former Waves and Optics unit has been divided into two distinct units: Geometric Optics and Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics.
• AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism): Both courses feature updated structures, with changes to the number and format of multiple-choice and free-response questions, along with a longer exam duration.

How APs Help Your Application:

1. Demonstrate Rigor: APs show that you can handle college-level material, especially if your school’s curriculum isn’t the most challenging.

2. Showcase Academic Interests: Taking APs in subjects not offered at school signals intellectual curiosity and initiative.

3. Compensate for Discontinued SAT Subject Tests: Since 2021, APs are one of the best ways to demonstrate subject mastery.

 Additional Benefits of Taking AP Exams

1. Earn College Credit or Skip Intro Courses

Scoring a 3 or above may allow you to skip general education courses in college, freeing time for advanced classes or electives—and in some cases, enabling early graduation.

2. Strengthen Merit Scholarship Applications

Some colleges factor AP performance into merit-based scholarship decisions. Taking APs can make you a more competitive candidate for financial aid.

When Not to Take APs

While APs are valuable, they are not for everyone. Consider skipping or delaying APs if:

• Your school grades are struggling: Focus on improving GPA, which is often more critical.

• Your extracurriculars are weak: Top colleges look for both academic strength and personal achievements.

• You are already overwhelmed, and AP prep would compromise balance and well-being.

Remember: Quality matters more than quantity. One well-prepared AP score is better than several poorly handled ones.

 Should You Take APs?

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

• Are you academically strong and looking to challenge yourself?

•  Do you want to demonstrate subject expertise not reflected in your school curriculum?

• Are you aiming for top-tier colleges or merit scholarships?

• Do you have the time to prepare without compromising your GPA or well-being?

If you answered yes to most of these, AP exams may be a great addition to your college application strategy.

Final Thoughts

AP exams can significantly enhance your academic profile when used strategically. But they are just one part of a broader application narrative that includes GPA, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and standardized test scores (if required).

If you’re unsure which APs to take or how they fit into your academic goals, reach out to Ivy Central. We’re here to help you build the right strategy for success.

Here at Ivy Central, we get lots of questions about AP Tests, whether they are needed or useful in the US college application process, how many you should do, and are some subjects are more valuable than others. This article will help you answer these and other questions about AP Tests.