AP Exam FAQs #2

Answers to FAQs regarding the AP Exam. Alternately, you can access the webpage with the list of questions and the answers here

• Can I take the AP Examination if I haven't taken an AP course?
• I want to take an AP Exam and I have a disability. Can I make any testing arrangements to accommodate my disability?
• If I don't get a good grade on an AP Exam, will it hurt my chances for college admission?
• How many times can I repeat an AP Exam?
• When are the exams given? How much time does it take to finish one?
• Will I lose points if I answer a multiple-choice question wrong? Should I guess?
• When will I find out if I'm eligible for an AP Scholar Award?

Resource Review:

This is as official as it gets, so the information provided here is very much accurate and as close as it'll get to the "real thing". This source can give the student a basic idea of the Advanced Placement Program, though the fact that you've reached this blog probably means that you already know the basics. For questions such as "How much time does it take to finish one?" or "Should I guess?" as well as the questions regarding the AP Scholar Award are answered with "technical" information -- be sure to check out the "personal experiences" as well as the "AP Tips" section (located in the "Tabbed Browsing" on the top of the page as soon as it gets up) for a more comprehensive "behind the scenes" look of the entire program.

On the Exam Day

What to Do on the Day of the Exam

Resource Review

This is as official as it gets, coming directly from the test-makers and test-graders themselves, the collegeboard. This resource is especially useful as it tells you exactly what to bring (including why for each) as well as what you can do to make sure that the items you bring are allowed (remember, they are the ones that make the exam and set the rules ;)), as well as listing out what not to bring, and the technical information behind guessing in exams.

Especially useful is the information regarding what not to bring as bringing something to the exam and having it confiscated adds on to the pressure as well as the psychological stress. As a result, this source is a great checklist to complete right before the day of the exam.

Furthermore, the resource takes a deeper look at the strategies involves in the multiple choice, such as when to guess and when not to guess. It offers clarifying statements regarding the grading policies that will leave no student unsure of how it's graded anymore ;) -- it is a resource worth checking out.

AP 2009 Calendar

A calendar for the 2009 AP Program as well as information regarding registration here

Resource Review:

This is as official as it gets -- it is a great resource to have beside you, providing essential guidelines, information but most important registration deadlines for you to meet prior to taking the exam. There is a neat calendar that includes all the essential dates and the things that should be done by that date, as well as the exam dates themselves (including 2 neat tables that list out the exams that are administered on each day) and when the student can expect to receive their grades/information regarding scholarships.

This is the perfect answer to "When..." -- a resource worth checking out!

About the AP Exam -- The Basic How's and Why's

Why Choose AP, and How Do I Enroll?

Resource Review:

This is as official as it gets. It provides an informational and very persuasive (though at the same time highly accurate) perspective of why one should choose the AP program. If you are a student who is considering the AP exam, check out this resource to learn about all the benefits that you'll obtain, from gaining an edge in college preparation (the resource also lists out the various ways that the AP program does this), to standing out in the college admissions process (again, the resource explains this), as well as how you can "broaden your intellectual horizons". Finally, the resource contains information on how you can "enroll" in the Advanced Placement Program once you have chosen to do so in a very concise manner. It is an introduction to AP worth checking out!

AP Exam FAQs

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Q. Will CollegeBoard send us comprehensive AP scores??
A. No, you will never recieve anything more than a sheet listing your AP Grades, even if you order your free response packs.

Q.How do you call in for your scores?
A. Call the "Grades-by-Phone" Service Number of 1-888-308-0013 and then you pay $8 from your credit card. They are usually first available a few days before the reported date of July 1st. This number works for international testers as well.

Q. Do you need your AP Number to recieve grades?
A. No, if you chose to put your SSN on your tests, but yes if you chose not to.

Q. How can I recover my AP number?
A. Call their office at normal business hours at (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). They will ask you some personal questions to confirm your identity.

Q. I called for my scores and some were missing. Why?
A. Scores are often not reported based on date of testing (later tests and make up tests take longer) or sometimes internationally.

Q. When will I receive my scores in the mail?
A. This varies from state to state, and often within the state itself. It is generally seen that the Western Coast states will recieve scores earliest and eastern Coast last. The scores can arrive anytime between 1st and 3rd week of July.