Strategic test planning beyond SAT/ACT
Stop right there. More AP exams don't automatically equal better college applications. In fact, overloading on APs can hurt your grades, stress levels, and actually make you less competitive.
Here's the strategic truth: Quality beats quantity every time. The goal isn't to take every test available - it's to take the right tests at the right time for your specific college and career goals.
College Board discontinued
SAT Subject Tests in 2021
Most colleges
no longer require or recommend them
A few specialized programs
still accept them if you have scores
Focus efforts on AP exams
instead for subject mastery demonstration
College credit can save thousands in tuition
Advanced placement helps with course scheduling
Academic rigor demonstration for college admissions
Subject mastery evidence for specific programs
Save money
Each passed AP can replace a college course ($3,000+ value)
Graduate early
Accumulate credits to finish college in 3.5 years
Take advanced courses
Skip prerequisites and access upper-level classes
Demonstrate readiness
Show colleges you can handle college-level work
Guarantee admission
to competitive schools
Replace a well-rounded application
Need other strong components
Compensate for poor grades
in regular classes
Substitute for extracurricular achievements
Balance is essential
Focus on calculus, sciences, computer science
Emphasize English, history, foreign languages
Economics, statistics, psychology
Biology, chemistry, psychology, statistics
Focus on adjustment to high school rigor
Focus on adjustment to high school rigor
Take challenging courses but not necessarily APs
Consider Human Geography or Psychology if available and appropriate
Build strong study habits for future AP success
1-2 AP courses maximum for most students
Choose based on strongest subjects and good teachers
Common choices: World History, Biology, Psychology
Focus on learning rather than just exam performance
Build foundation for junior year AP success
3-5 AP courses for competitive college applicants
Take APs in intended major areas
Include AP English Language if planning to take it
Balance with SAT/ACT prep and college research
Most important year for AP performance
Continue in strongest subjects but don't overload
Include AP Calculus if on that track
Consider AP courses for college credit at likely destination
Don't sacrifice grades for excessive AP load
Focus on applications and final GPA
AP Language (Junior Year)
Rhetoric and argument analysis
AP Literature (Senior Year)
Literary analysis and interpretation
Most students should take Language first, Literature is optional
AP Statistics
Useful for many majors, less sequential than calculus
AP Calculus AB
Standard calculus, good for most STEM students
AP Calculus BC
Advanced calculus, for strongest math students
Choose based on your math track and intended major
AP Biology
Memorization-heavy, good for pre-med students
AP Chemistry
Concept-heavy, requires strong math skills
AP Physics
Multiple versions (1, 2, C), choose based on math background
Take APs in sciences you're genuinely interested in
AP U.S. History
Comprehensive but manageable for strong readers
AP World History
Broad scope, good for global perspective
AP European History
Detailed study, excellent preparation for college history
AP Psychology
Accessible introduction to behavioral sciences
Choose based on interests and reading strength
AP Psychology
Relatively straightforward content
AP Environmental Science
Accessible with science background
AP Human Geography
Conceptual rather than fact-heavy
AP Economics
If you have strong social studies background
AP sciences
without lab experience
AP languages
without speaking practice
AP Calculus
without strong math foundation
Any subject
you're not genuinely interested in
Equivalent to A in college course
Equivalent to A-, B+, or B in college course
Equivalent to B-, C+, or C in college course
Usually no college credit
No college credit
• You control which scores colleges see
• Send scores that strengthen your application
• Don't send scores of 1 or 2 unless required
• Consider sending 3s to schools that give credit for them
Fall registration
October-November for May exams
Late registration
February-March (with fees)
Cost per exam
$97 per exam (2024 pricing)
ROI calculation
One passed AP can save $3,000+ in college tuition
$97 exam fee vs. $3,000+ college course
Each successful AP exam can provide 30x return on investment
Demonstrate familiarity with U.S. educational standards
Show English proficiency through AP English exams
Provide standardized comparison across different educational systems
Help with course placement in American universities
Focus on core subjects (English, Math, Science)
Take APs in your strongest subjects
Don't overload - quality matters more than quantity
Consider logistics of taking exams internationally
Same accommodations available as for SAT/ACT
Extended time and other supports as needed
Opportunity to demonstrate knowledge with supports
Level playing field with appropriate accommodations
Request accommodations through your school's AP coordinator
Plan ahead - accommodation requests take time to process
Consider timing - some students perform better with extended time
Work with guidance counselor on AP selection
Planning to attend college where you'll receive significant credit
Genuinely interested in the subject matter
Want to skip prerequisites in college
Need to demonstrate rigor for competitive admissions
Taking just for college applications without genuine interest
Overloading your schedule at expense of grades or mental health
Target colleges don't give meaningful credit
You're already taking maximum rigorous courses
What colleges are you targeting?
What major are you considering?
How important is graduating early or saving money?
What's your current academic strength profile?
What scores earn credit for each AP exam at target schools?
How many credits does each AP earn?
Do APs count toward graduation requirements or just electives?
Do APs affect merit scholarship calculations?
Which APs align with your intended major?
What's the optimal timing for each AP?
How many APs can you realistically handle each year?
What other commitments do you need to balance?
Are you maintaining strong grades in all courses?
Is your AP load sustainable with other activities?
Are you genuinely learning or just test-prepping?
Do you need to adjust your plan based on results?
Strategic AP planning can save you thousands of dollars and accelerate your college experience. But only when done thoughtfully, based on your genuine interests and career goals rather than just trying to impress admissions officers.
Remember: The goal isn't to take every AP available. It's to strategically select APs that advance your educational and career objectives while demonstrating your academic capabilities to colleges.
Most important insight: Students who plan APs strategically around their interests and goals typically see better outcomes than those who just try to maximize the number of APs taken.
CollegeCompass provides personalized AP planning, college credit research, and strategic course selection guidance to maximize your educational investment.
Get expert help creating an AP plan that aligns with your goals, interests, and college aspirations while optimizing for both admissions success and financial savings.