Advanced Placement

AP Exams returned to paper/pencil exams for SY 2021-2022. Please check back later for additional updates.

Online preparation for the AP exams can be found at the following links: 

• College Board: Preparing for the Exams
• Practice Questions from McGraw Hill
• College Board AP site

What can a student do to be successful in an AP class?

• Attend classes regularly. 
• Study on a regular basis, and review all notes periodically. 
• Read the textbook and assignments, and complete all work. 
• Form a study group, attend study sessions, and tutorials. 

How can parents help their children be successful in an AP course? 

• Review the course expectations and requirements. 
• Monitor class attendance, assignments, and grades. 
• Discuss concerns with the assigned teacher and/or guidance counselor. 

Why Take an Advanced Placement Exam?

• Measure the level of achievement in the AP course. 
• High scores earn college credit at some colleges/universities. 
• Save money on credits acquired before entering a college/university. 
• Earn honors status in some colleges/universities. 
• Decrease the amount of time required to earn a degree. 

How are AP courses weighed?

A:     Students receive numerical grades throughout the quarters and at the end their  numerical grade is converted into a letter grade for the transcript and given the weight by the formula:

The following numerical equivalents will be used in computing the GPA from report card letter grades:    A = 4.00     B = 3.00     C = 2.00     D = 1.00      E = 0.00  

        A = 5.00     B = 4.00     C = 3.00     D = 2.00      E = 0.00     

        A = Excellent progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (90-100%).

        B = Above average progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (80-89%).     

        C = Average progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (70-79%).

        D = Below Average progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (60-69%).

        E = Failure toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (0-59%)

How do we define family?

Family is defined as those living in a common dwelling space. If there are multiple students taking AP courses in one family, PGCPS will only pay for exams in excess of three exams inclusive of all classes taken by all students in that family.

Do I have to be currently enrolled in an AP Course for my exams to be paid for?

Yes, the District will only pay for those exams taken by students who are enrolled in an AP course during the present school year.

How many times can a student take an AP exam?

A student may take an AP exam more than once, but the student must pay for any exams they retake.

What is the pass rate for the course my child is currently taking?

Please contact the school’s AP Coordinator or your child’s teacher for this information.

What are the benefits of taking an AP course?

Students taking AP courses are engaged in instruction that is based on college level courses. They tend to be better prepared for the rigors of a college level course. Students may be eligible for special placement in college courses based on their performance in the class.

What is the passing score for an AP exam? What do colleges accept for me to earn college credit?

The passing score for an AP exam is a “3” or higher. Students should contact the schools they are interested in applying to in order to obtain information on their AP Exam Score Credit policy. These policies vary from institution to institution.

I am a FARMS student taking an AP class, but I do not want to take the exam. Am I required to take the exam?

No, you do not have to take the exam. You will be able to select the exams you want to take on the AP Acknowledgment Form. If you decided to take an exam and then change your mind, you will be charged a $40 cancelled exam fee.

Does the number of exams the District will cover span over a students’ High School career or just one school year?

Each year the District will pay for AP Exams based on how many exams the student is taking that current school year.