Introduction to the AP Program

The AP program, designed and managed by the College Board, first appeared in the mid-1950s with the aim of creating a better bridge between high school and university environments for students. Each year, approximately 2.7 million students register for AP exams, around 5.2 million students are studying and preparing for AP exams, and about 20,000 high schools in the US offer this program.

The AP program includes 38 subjects across seven fields: Arts, English, History & Social Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Sciences, World Languages & Cultures, and AP Capstone. These courses are taken over three years in high school. Students in this program participate in AP exams held annually in May. High scores on AP exams are a significant advantage, demonstrating students' readiness for college and enhancing their competitiveness in college applications, as well as increasing scholarship opportunities.

Introduction to the College Board

The College Board is a nonprofit educational organization that partners with thousands of schools across the US to provide standardized tests like the SAT and PSAT, college prep courses, and AP courses. The College Board's Advanced Placement program offers college-level coursework and exams to high school students, enabling them to earn college credits. The AP program's credibility is globally recognized by the education community.

Reasons Why Students Should Take AP Courses

Taking and excelling in AP courses offers numerous benefits for students and their families:

- Flexibility in choosing subjects that match students' abilities and interests
- Ability to earn college credits, saving families money and students time and effort
- Equipped with the necessary learning skills for college-level education
- Inspiring a passion for learning and nurture interest in various fields from high school
- AP courses are independent and flexible, with costs calculated per subject, eliminating worries about overlapping knowledge and reducing financial risks for parents
- Enhancing the competitiveness of college applications, as impressive AP scores are recognized and prioritized by colleges in the US and globally
- Besides international standard diplomas, students with impressive average AP scores can receive additional prestigious certificates like the AP Capstone, AP International Diploma, and AP Scholar with Distinction.

Comparing the AP Program with Other College Prep Programs
 

Key Information About AP Exams

Exam Schedule
AP exams are held annually in May, lasting two weeks, with results available after two months.

Content of AP Exams
AP exams consist of multiple-choice and open questions on paper, lasting 2-3 hours per subject. Some subjects, like Japanese Language and Chinese Language, have computer-based exams. Other subjects, like Art, require a portfolio and presentation for final assessment.

AP Exam Subjects Include:
- Art History
- Biology
- Calculus AB & BC
- Chemistry
- Computer Science A
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Science
- European History
- French Language
- German Language
- Government & Politics
- Human Geography
- International English Language (APIEL)
- Latin
- Music
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish Language
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- US History
- World History

AP Exam Scoring Scale
The AP exam scoring scale ranges from 1 to 5, with 3 usually being the passing score:
- 5 = Extremely well qualified
- 4 = Well qualified
- 3 = Qualified
- 2 = Possibly qualified
- 1 = No recommendation

Multiple-choice sections are computer-graded, while essays are graded by College Board educators. Scores from both sections are combined to decide the final score. Additionally, College Board awards eight honors for outstanding AP exam scores.

Most universities require students to score at least 3 on AP exams. When high schools register with universities, AP scores are automatically cross-referenced to alleviate students from redundant courses in their first year of college.

AP Exam Locations
AP exams are held at international high schools or College Board-authorized centers. True North International School is proud to be an official testing site for AP and SAT exams.

Registration Fees
For countries outside the US and Canada:
- AP Seminar and AP Research: $142 (approx. 3,500,000 VND)
- Other AP subjects: $125 (approx. 3,100,000 VND)

Universities Accepting AP Credits
All US universities accept AP scores for class placement or credit. Additionally, many international universities recognize AP scores. You can check a university's AP credit policy in its AP database.

Below is a list of universities outside the US that accept AP credits:

In Australia:
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia (UWA)
- Monash University
- University of Adelaide

In Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster University
- Queen's University
- Western University

In the UK:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University of Bristol