College Board Advanced Placement
Explore All AP Courses
Discover 38+ college-level courses designed to challenge high school students, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for higher education success.
38+
AP Courses
5
Subject Areas
3,000+
Partner Instututions
4M+
Students Annually
Understanding AP
What is Advanced Placement?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created by the College Board that offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. Since 1955, AP has grown to include 38+ courses across multiple disciplines, taken by over 4 million students annually worldwide.
Rigorous Curriculum
AP courses are designed to mirror introductory college courses, providing students with a challenging academic experience.
Year-Long Commitment
Most AP courses span the full academic year, culminating in a standardized exam administered each May.
Recognized Worldwide
AP scores are accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities in 60+ countries for credit and advanced placement.
How are AP's Scored
AP exams are scored on a scale of 1–5, with each score indicating a level of qualification.
Note: Credit policies vary by institution. Check with specific colleges for their AP credit policies.
5
Extremely Well Qualified
Indicates exceptional mastery of the subject. Most colleges grant course credit or advanced placement for this score.
4
Well Qualified
Demonstrates strong subject understanding. Many universities award credit or allow advanced placement.
3
Qualified
Shows adequate preparation for college-level coursework. Some colleges grant credit or placement.
2
Possibly Qualified
Reflects limited mastery. Most colleges do not award credit, but the score may still strengthen applications.
1
No Recommendation
Indicates insufficient understanding of the subject. Colleges generally do not grant credit.
Course Catalog
Browse All Advanced Placement Corses
Explore our complete catalog of AP courses organized by subject area.
Math & Computer Science
5 Courses
AP Calculus BC
Learn More →
AP Computer Science Principles
Learn More →
Sciences
7 Courses
AP Biology
Learn More →
AP Chemistry
Learn More →
AP Environmental Science
Learn More →
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Learn More →
World Languages & Cultures
8 Courses
AP Chinese Language and Culture
Learn More →
AP French Language and Culture
Learn More →
AP German Language and Culture
Learn More →
AP Italian Language and Culture
Learn More →
AP Japanese Language and Culture
Learn More →
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Learn More →
History & Social Sciences
10 Courses
AP Comparative Government and Politics
Learn More →
AP European History
Learn More →
AP Human Geography
Learn More →
AP Macroeconomics
Learn More →
AP Psychology
Learn More →
AP United States Government and Politics
Learn More →
AP United States History
Learn More →
AP African American Studies
Learn More →
Arts
5 Courses
AP Art History
Learn More →
AP Music Theory
Learn More →
AP 2-D Art and Design
Learn More →
AP 3-D Art and Design
Learn More →
AP Drawing
Learn More →
Getting Started
How to Enroll
1
Consult with your school counselor to confirm course availability and scheduling
2
Review prerequisite requirements and ensure academic readiness
3
Register for the course through your school's enrollment system
4
Obtain required materials including textbook and development environment
5
Attend course orientation and begin the academic program
Academic Calendar
Important Timelines
Phase 1
September – October: Course enrollment and prerequisite verification
Phase 2
October – November: Fall semester coursework and foundational concepts
Phase 3
January – February: Spring semester continuation and advanced topics
Phase 4
March – April: Course completion and comprehensive review
Phase 5
May: End-of-course assessment period
Powered by AI
AI - Powered Tools
Smart predictions and insights for your admission journey