May is AP Exams Month
Each May, high school students throughout the nation take Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. These exams are the culmination of a student’s academic experience in their respective AP course(s).
AP courses are among the most rigorous classes available at FWCD because they are designed to match the level of challenge found in a first-year college course. The College Board, the same agency that creates the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT, sets the curricular requirements for each AP course and writes the exam.
Who takes AP Exams?
All FWCD underclassmen are required to take all AP Exams in the courses in which they are enrolled. FWCD seniors may opt out of taking the AP Exam in elective subjects, but AP Exams in English, math and studio art (portfolio) are required. If the student chooses not to take an elective AP Exam, they will be required to take a teacher-generated final exam.
How are AP Exams administered?
AP Exams are administered in one of three formats, depending on the subject: fully digital, hybrid digital or traditional paper. For hybrid digital exams in math, science and economics that require graphing or symbolic notation, students will view free-response questions and prompts in Bluebook and write their answers in paper exam booklets. However, students taking French Language, Music Theory, Spanish Language and Spanish Literature will still take standard paper exams.
When are AP Exams administered?
The College Board sets the annual AP Exam schedule during the first full two weeks of May, with the third week of May reserved for late testing. The 2026 AP Exams Schedule has been customized for FWCD’s AP Exam offerings. View FWCD’s AP Exams Schedule. All testing will take place on campus. Students should arrive at 7:30 a.m. for morning exams and 12:30 p.m. for afternoon exams.
How can students prepare for AP Exams?
On Wednesday, April 15, juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to take two mock AP Exams during the school day. Additionally, students can go to the Bluebook app and select the Test Preview card to view sample AP exams.
How long does each AP Exam take?
On average, each AP Exam lasts three hours and includes a combination of multiple-choice and free-response questions. Students are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the exam. All exam locations will be posted outside the College Counseling Office in the Upper School by the end of April.
If students have College Board-approved accommodations, will they receive their accommodation (e.g., extended time) on their respective test days?
Students with College Board-approved accommodations, including extended time, will receive their accommodations through Bluebook. Students approved to test with extended time will be able to move on to the next part of the exam at any time after standard time ends, even if they still have time available. College Board-approved extended-time students need to bring several snacks to consume during testing breaks to sustain their energy.
What should I bring to my AP Exams?
AP students will receive information about FWCD’s AP Exam procedures and attendance policies. All exams will be delivered digitally except for French Language, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, and Music Theory. The following items are either necessary or recommended for all digital exams.
- College Board account sign-in credentials
- Fully charged testing device (a Mac or Windows laptop is recommended) with the Bluebook app installed and ready to go (The device should hold a charge for at least four hours.)
- Laptop’s charging cord
- Pen (black or blue ink) or No. 2 pencils
- Acceptable calculator for applicable exams
- Snacks and drinks to eat during the break (The items are not allowed in the exam room.)
When will I receive my AP Exam scores?
AP Exam scores will be available in early July. The College Board’s website provides a complete description of the AP score reporting process.
How do colleges use AP scores?
Many colleges grant course credit for AP scores. Each college sets its own score performance guidelines. Some schools will accept AP scores for credit toward courses that fulfill distribution requirements; others will count AP Exam credits as elective credits. If a college does not accept AP scores for credit, it will often use them for placement purposes, which can move a student beyond entry-level classes. These credits or higher course placements may allow students to pursue advanced coursework, have a double major, or study abroad more easily.
In late April or early May, and while completing their FWCD College Counseling exit paperwork, seniors will request that their cumulative record of AP Exam scores be released (in early July) to their enrolling college or university.
