Passing an AP exam is an excellent way for students to showcase their academic accomplishments and ability to handle rigorous coursework. It speaks to a student’s ability to thrive in advanced educational settings and can be another way for students to stand out from the competition during the college admissions process. AP courses were designed by the College Board and are meant to replicate college-level coursework. As such, AP classes are more rigorous than high school-level courses.
AP exams test students on a year’s worth of content. The College Board has a set syllabus for each AP exam and will test students over that knowledge regardless of if they covered that material with their instructor. Today, we’re covering the AP exam schedule for 2024 and answering commonly asked questions about the tests.
AP Exam Schedule 2024
AP exams function like a final exam for the course and, as such, are only offered in May. For the 2023-2024 academic year, schools will administer them from May 6 to 10 and May 13 to 17.
The official exam schedule posted on the College Board’s website is as follows:
| Week 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. Local Time | 12 p.m. Local Time | |
| Monday, May 6, 2024 | United States Government and Politics | Art History |
| Chemistry | ||
| Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | Human Geography | Seminar |
| Microeconomics | Statistics | |
| Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | English Literature and Composition | Comparative Government and Politics |
| Computer Science A | ||
| Thursday, May 9, 2024 | Chinese Language and Culture | Psychology |
| Environmental Science | ||
| Friday, May 10, 2024 | European History | Macroeconomics |
| United States History | Spanish Literature and Culture | |
| Week 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. Local Time | 12 p.m. Local Time | 2 p.m. Local Time | |
| Monday, May 13, 2024 | Calculus AB | Italian Language and Culture | |
| Calculus BC | Precalculus | ||
| Tuesday, May 14, 2024 | English Language and Composition | African American Studies | Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
| Physics C: Mechanics | |||
| Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | French Language and Culture | Computer Science Principles | |
| World History: Modern | Music Theory | ||
| Thursday, May 16, 2024 | Spanish Language and Culture | Biology | |
| Japanese Language and Culture | |||
| Friday, May 17, 2024 | German Language and Culture | Latin | |
| Physics 1: Algebra-Based | Physics 2: Algebra-Based | ||
Several courses require students to submit digital portfolios prior to exam day. Students must submit their AP Seminar, Computer Science Principles, and Research digital portfolios by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 30, 2024. AP Art and Design students have until 8:00 p.m. ET on May 10, 2024.
While the College Board lists specific exam start times, they allow some deviation based on local needs. Generally, schools have a one-hour window to start administering the tests.
Additionally, late testing is an option if circumstances beyond the student’s or school’s control prevent students from taking the exam as scheduled. Late fees aren’t usually incurred if the reasons are valid. Some valid reasons include:
- Being scheduled for multiple exams at the same time
- Illness
- Scheduling conflict with an academic or athletic event
- Natural disasters
- Accommodation issues for students with disabilities
- Religious holidays
| Late Test Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Morning 8 a.m. Local Time | Afternoon 12 p.m. Local Time | |
| Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | Chemistry | English Literature and Composition |
| Computer Science A | Environmental Science | |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | Japanese Language and Culture | |
| Psychology | Latin | |
| Statistics | Macroeconomics | |
| United States History | Physics C: Mechanics | |
| Thursday, May 23, 2024 | Chinese Language and Culture | Art History |
| Computer Science Principles | Biology | |
| English Language and Composition | European History | |
| Human Geography | French Language and Culture | |
| Precalculus | Physics 1: Algebra-Based | |
| Spanish Literature and Culture | Seminar | |
| Friday, May 24, 2024 | ||
| Calculus AB | African American Studies | |
| Calculus BC | Comparative Government and Politics | |
| German Language and Culture | Italian Language and Culture | |
| Microeconomics | Physics 2: Algebra-Based | |
| Music Theory | United States Government and Politics | |
| Spanish Language and Culture | World History: Modern | |
Are AP Exams Going Digital in 2024?
While some AP exams are going digital, most are still traditional paper and pencil exams. It’s up to the school district to determine if they will offer a digital version of the eight exams currently available in a digital and traditional format.
The College Board is offering digital exams for the following programs:
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP European History
- AP Seminar
- AP U.S. History
- AP World History: Modern
- AP African American Studies (2023-24 pilot schools only)
Schools offering digital exams must conduct these exams in a separate room than those taking the traditional version of the same exam. These rooms must have separate proctors so students can take the digital exam at the same time as those taking the paper exam.
When Should I Expect My AP Scores?
While the exact dates for 2024 haven’t been set, students can typically expect their AP exam results in July. Students will be able to report exam scores to their intended colleges on their application. Some colleges may ask for an official score report, but most allow students to self-report prior to admission.
The College Board can send these scores to colleges on behalf of the student. Students can have their scores sent to one school for free, however these scores can be sent to additional schools for a fee.
If a student doesn’t achieve their desired score, they may retake the exams the following year. High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may choose to retake their exams the following year to earn a higher score.
What is the Best Way to Prepare for AP Exams?
Passing an AP exam is a great way for students to earn college credit while in high school. To do that, they must earn scores that meet their institution’s benchmark. Since AP exams cover a full year of content, getting a head start on test prep can help students earn top scores.
More importantly, it’s an excellent way for students to demonstrate their ability to thrive in college settings.
We recommend students start studying as early as they can. Students should aim to take good notes during class, review old assignments and highlight relevant information. These materials can be valuable assets during study sessions.
Students should break their study sessions into small chunks over time. If students plan to take more than one AP exam, it’s important to break up sessions by subject. Preparing for AP exams with a tutor can provide a structured and individualized approach to test prep.
At C2 Education, we believe every student is unique, and our approach adapts to meet their needs. Our assessments ensure that students spend time on areas that offer the most opportunity for improvement. Our expert tutors guide students toward mastery and help them develop efficient study habits.
C2 tutors can help students balance their courseload as they prepare for their exam. Whether students are looking to prepare for one AP exam or multiple exams, our experts are ready to help.
Ready to prepare your student for success and help them earn college credit before they graduate high school? Learn more about C2 Education’s AP exam prep program today!
