Self-Studying for an AP Exam?
by Jennifer L.
Each year in May, students have the opportunity to take a final AP exam. If your school offers AP courses, you will likely have a designated AP coordinator at your high school who will coordinate the exam details.
But what if you’re self-studying for an AP exam through an online course or individually?
You may have the option to register as an independent student. If your high school is unable to accommodate you for the test on campus, consider these 3 steps:
1.Find a school where you can take the AP exam
First, reference the College Board AP Course Ledger which is a comprehensive list of testing centers authorized to administer AP exams. You’ll be able to narrow down locations in your area that allow independent students to register for specific exams.
2.Figure out registration
Second, after finding a convenient testing center or school, call or email and inquire about their policies for outside students. Ask to speak to the AP Coordinator to learn if the school allows students from other schools to take tests there. This step should be done as soon as possible as many schools have internal registration deadlines. Space availability is also a concern, and many sites use a first-come, first-served process. Additionally, the deadline for exam ordering for schools is on November 15th.
3.Communicate with AP Coordinator
Third, once you register at one of the sites, the AP Coordinator will be your advocate for ordering your exam, communicating to you about exam day logistics, and possibly collecting exam fees. If you are interested in taking several AP exams as an independent student, be sure to mention all the exams you plan to take, as well as any test accommodations you have been approved for so testing sites can make arrangements.
Most importantly, check registration deadlines as they can vary by testing site. Once you’ve confirmed your registration and paid for your exam, good luck with your studying throughout the year!
Scoring well on an AP exam can sometimes earn students college credit if the college they attend accepts their scores, as well as help make your college application more competitive. To check what schools take AP exam results, please reference the College Board credit placement website.
