Every year, the College Board gives AP exams, or Advanced Placement exams, to high school students. These tests are conducted each May, and students can find their specific AP Exam Dates for each subject in their local testing area. Each exam, differentiated by subject, is a rigorous exam that provides an excellent focus for college-bound students who want to have an impressive academic profile.
An AP exam is designed to measure how well students have mastered the content and skills of a particular AP course. So it stands to reason that in order to demonstrate your best academic performance, you must be aware of the dates to prepare yourself before the AP Exam Schedule.
Week 1 AP Exam Testing Dates
Below is the AP Schedule for the first week:
| Week 1 | Morning (8 a.m. Local Time) | Afternoon (12 p.m. Local Time) |
| Monday, May 5, 2025 | United States Government and Politics | Chemistry Spanish Literature and Culture |
| Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | Chinese Language and Culture Environmental Science | Psychology |
| Monday, May 7, 2025 | English Literature and Composition | Comparative Government and Politics Computer Science A |
| Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Human Geography Macroeconomics | Seminar Statistics |
| Friday, May 9, 2025 | European History United States History | Art History Microeconomics |
Week 2 AP Test Dates
Below is the AP Exam Dates for the second week:
| Week 2 | Morning (8 a.m. Local Time) | Afternoon (12 p.m. Local Time) | Afternoon (2 p.m. Local Time) |
| Monday, May 12, 2025 | Calculus ABCalculus BC | Computer Science PrinciplesItalian Language and Culture | |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | English Language and CompositionJapanese Language and Culture | Physics C: Mechanics | Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Spanish Language and Culture | Biology | |
| Thursday, May 15, 2025 | French Language and CultureWorld History: Modern | Physics 1: Algebra-Based | |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | German Language and CultureMusic Theory | LatinPhysics 2: Algebra-Based |
Late AP Exam Schedule
There are circumstances where students take the AP exams late. But don’t count on this option to save you; alternate forms are used for the late AP Testing Dates to preserve the security of AP exams.
Additionally, all students participating in the late testing must take these alternate exams on the scheduled late-testing AP Exam Dates.
| Morning (8 a.m. Local Time) | Afternoon (12 p.m. Local Time) | |
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | ChemistryComputer Science APhysics C: Electricity and MagnetismPsychologyStatisticsUnited States History | Computer Science PrinciplesEnglish Literature and CompositionEnvironmental ScienceJapanese Language and CultureMacroeconomicsSpanish Literature and Culture |
| Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Chinese Language and CultureEnglish Language and CompositionGerman Language and CultureHuman GeographyPhysics 1: Algebra-Based | Art HistoryBiologyComparative Government and PoliticsFrench Language and CultureItalian Language and CultureLatin |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | Calculus ABCalculus BCMicroeconomicsPhysics 2: Algebra-BasedSpanish Language and Culture | European HistoryMusic TheoryPhysics C: Mechanics SeminarUnited States Government and PoliticsWorld History: Modern |
Exams with Digital Portfolios
Several AP courses have a portfolio component, which you should submit digitally for the AP program to score. These digital portfolios will be submitted and uploaded through a secure web application. Here are the AP Testing Dates and deadlines:
- AP Art and Design: May 9, 2025 (8 p.m. ET)
- AP Seminar and AP Research: April 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)
- AP Computer Science Principles: April 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)
Video: How to study for AP Exams || my guide 2024
How Does Taking AP Exams Affect Your Chances of Getting Into College?
After taking these challenging exams and demonstrating the extent of your hard work on the AP Test Dates, you might wonder if your final score will affect your chances of getting into the college of your choice. But don’t worry too much—because choosing to take the AP exams (and therefore receive a score) won’t make or break your college admission, even if you don’t score a 5. In the end, you can opt not to report your AP scores on your college application, but you’ll want to strategize wisely.
In addition, it’s worth noting that taking an AP exam on the AP Test Dates and getting a good (or great) score can boost your overall profile. So even if the tests won’t directly affect your admission chances, taking the course can. It’s because these colleges see that you’re exerting effort to take an extra step toward your education.
How AP Courses Can Influence Your Personal & Academic Growth
Taking AP courses and ultimately preparing for the AP Test Dates can be challenging because you’re studying a subject that’s higher than the standardized high school level. However, it prepares you before the AP Schedule to help you with your college applications. It lets the college know that you had academic training on a particular subject, especially if it’s related to the course you’re applying to.
For instance, an AP score of 4-5 shows that you have advanced knowledge in a particular subject compared to other students who took the exams on the AP Test Dates. It shows that you’re a competitive student willing to excel in different academic areas.
Video: FOUR Tips on STUDYING For Your AP Exams (AP World, APUSH)
How Well Students Fared in the 2022 AP Exam Dates
Below is how well students have performed on the most recent 2022 AP Exams on their scheduled AP Exam Dates. 5 is the highest, and 1 is the lowest for each AP subject.
| Exam | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| AP Research | 12.6% | 25.8% | 44.3% | 13.3% | 4.0% |
| AP Seminar | 11.6% | 19.2% | 51.8% | 11.8% | 5.6% |
| AP 2-D Art and Design | 10.8% | 35.5% | 40.3% | 12.8% | 0.5% |
| AP 3-D Art and Design | 6.4% | 28.6% | 38.5% | 23.8% | 2.6% |
| AP Art History | 14.1% | 21.0% | 26.3% | 26.9% | 11.6% |
| AP Drawing | 14.6% | 38.1% | 35.6% | 10.3% | 1.4% |
| AP Music Theory | 18.7% | 17.7% | 25.5% | 23.7% | 14.4% |
| AP English Language and Composition | 10.4% | 21.1% | 24.2% | 29.8% | 14.5% |
| AP English Literature and Composition | 16.9% | 27.3% | 33.7% | 14.1% | 7.9% |
| AP Comparative Government and Politics | 15.9% | 24.3% | 30.3% | 16.7% | 12.9% |
| AP European History | 13.5% | 21.0% | 24.4% | 29.7% | 11.4% |
| AP Human Geography | 14.9% | 18.7% | 19.6% | 15.0% | 31.8% |
| AP Macroeconomics | 16.4% | 20.0% | 15.4% | 15.1% | 33.1% |
| AP Microeconomics | 17.7% | 22.5% | 18.8% | 16.9% | 24.2% |
| AP Psychology | 17.0% | 22.2% | 19.1% | 13.1% | 28.5% |
| AP United States Government and Politics | 12.0% | 10.9% | 25.8% | 25.7% | 25.7% |
| AP United States History | 10.8% | 15.6% | 21.9% | 23.0% | 28.8% |
| AP World History | 13.2% | 21.9% | 27.0% | 23.7% | 14.3% |
| AP Calculus AB | 20.4% | 16.1% | 19.1% | 22.6% | 21.7% |
| AP Calculus BC | 41.2% | 15.6% | 20.1% | 16.4% | 6.8% |
| AP Computer Science A | 27.3% | 20.4% | 19.9% | 10.4% | 22.1% |
| AP Computer Science Principles | 11.4% | 21.0% | 31.1% | 19.9% | 16.6% |
| AP Statistics | 14.8% | 22.2% | 23.4% | 16.5% | 23.1% |
| AP Biology | 15.0% | 23.1% | 29.7% | 21.6% | 10.5% |
| AP Chemistry | 12.5% | 17.0% | 24.5% | 23.6% | 22.5% |
| AP Environmental Science | 8.9% | 27.4% | 17.5% | 25.9% | 20.3% |
| AP Physics 1 | 7.9% | 17.0% | 18.3% | 27.1% | 29.6% |
| AP Physics 2 | 16.3% | 18.1% | 35.3% | 24.1% | 6.3% |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 31.5% | 23.6% | 14.3% | 18.1% | 12.5% |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | 26.4% | 25.7% | 21.3% | 15.6% | 11.0% |
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | 49.3% | 19.6% | 18.0% | 5.3% | 7.8% |
| AP French Language and Culture | 13.1% | 23.7% | 34.8% | 22.3% | 6.0% |
| AP German Language and Culture | 20.0% | 19.1% | 26.5% | 22.9% | 11.6% |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | 22.6% | 20.6% | 27.3% | 18.6% | 10.8% |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | 48.5% | 9.8% | 17.1% | 7.5% | 17.1% |
| AP Latin | 11.2% | 16.1% | 29.8% | 24.8% | 18.2% |
Video: 2025 AP Exam Registration Information
Timeline for AP Exam Preparation
Looking for more detailed advice and planning? Look no further. In addition to the statistics, we’ve got you covered with a specific timeline from now until AP Exam Week!
October to November: Foundation and Planning
In October and November, it’s ideal to lay a solid foundation by identifying key areas that need review. Take a diagnostic test or review previous coursework to understand your strengths and weaknesses in each AP subject. During this time, set up a detailed study schedule with weekly goals, allowing extra time for areas where you need improvement. Gather resources, including textbooks, study guides, and any online resources, such as Khan Academy or AP Classroom from College Board. Consider joining a study group with classmates or online forums, as collaborative learning can be especially helpful for complex subjects like AP Chemistry or AP Calculus.
December to January: Begin Structured Review
As the new year approaches, you can focus on structured review. This period is ideal for solidifying your understanding of fundamental concepts in each subject, ensuring that you’re confident in the foundational material. Work through chapters and units, using past quizzes or tests to check your understanding as you go. If you encounter specific topics that are challenging, schedule tutoring sessions or seek additional help to clarify those areas.
February to March: Practice, Practice, Practice
By February, it’s time to start more intensive practice. Begin taking timed, full-length practice exams for each AP subject you’re studying for. Aim to complete at least one full practice test per month for each AP subject, gradually increasing your familiarity with the exam format. After each practice test, take time to analyze any mistakes and adjust your study plan to focus on areas that need improvement. This is also an excellent time to refine your test-taking strategy by practicing pacing and techniques for answering questions, such as eliminating incorrect choices quickly on multiple-choice questions and organizing concise responses for free-response sections.
April: Intensive Review and Final Prep
In April, your study efforts should focus on intensive review. Revisit any challenging topics in depth, particularly for subjects that involve heavy memorization, such as AP Biology or AP History. Complete one final full-length, timed practice test for each AP subject to reinforce time management skills and boost confidence. As the exam date nears, compile your most important notes, flashcards, or study sheets to use as last-minute review material. During this period, remember to prioritize your health and rest, avoiding overloading yourself with too much review. Physical and mental readiness are equally important for exam success.
Early May: Test Week Preparation
As AP Exam Week approaches in early May, it’s important to review test-day procedures. Familiarize yourself with what to bring to the test center, test center policies, and the timing of each exam. During the final days before the test, focus on light review only—try to avoid cramming and instead spend time reviewing flashcards or notes to keep your mind calm and focused. The night before each exam, organize everything you need for test day, such as pencils, erasers, a calculator if permitted, snacks, and water.
Tips for Preparing by the AP Exam Dates
Navigating multiple AP exams in a short time frame can be challenging, so efficient preparation is essential. Here are some proven strategies to stay on track and reduce stress before the big day:
1. Develop a Subject-Specific Study Plan
Each AP subject has a unique format, so it’s wise to customize your study approach. Start by reviewing the official AP exam guides for each subject on the College Board’s website. Focus your efforts on the sections you find most challenging, allocating additional review time for them in your schedule.
2. Set Milestones and Track Progress
Break down your study time into manageable weekly or monthly goals. Set checkpoints to assess progress, such as completing a certain number of practice tests or mastering specific chapters. Tracking your milestones keeps you motivated and allows you to make adjustments if needed.
3. Practice Under Test-Like Conditions
Practicing in real exam conditions can help with time management and reduce test-day anxiety. Find a quiet space, set a timer, and attempt full-length practice tests, especially for time-intensive subjects like AP Calculus, AP Literature, or AP History.
4. Join Study Groups or Tutoring Sessions
Collaborative study sessions can reinforce learning. If your school offers AP tutoring or review sessions, take advantage of them. Alternatively, online resources like Khan Academy or College Board’s AP Classroom provide free review materials and can be excellent for solo study.
5. Take Care of Your Health
Preparation isn’t just academic—make sure to maintain a healthy routine leading up to exams. Consistent sleep, balanced meals, and regular breaks during study sessions contribute to better focus and reduced stress.
By adhering to these strategies, you’ll be more prepared and confident as AP Exam Week approaches.
How AP Scores Impact College Admissions
AP exams are highly valued by colleges and universities, as they reflect a student’s willingness to challenge themselves and build skills relevant to college coursework. Here’s how AP scores can make a difference in college applications:
1. Boost Academic Rigor
Admissions officers often view AP classes as evidence of a student's drive and ability to succeed in college. Completing AP courses and scoring well on the exams can indicate that you’re capable of handling rigorous, college-level work.
2. Earn College Credit and Save on Tuition
Many colleges and universities award college credit for AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5, potentially allowing you to skip introductory courses. This can save both time and money, enabling you to either graduate early or take advanced classes in your area of interest.
3. Stand Out in Competitive Admissions Pools
As the number of college applications grows, AP scores can set applicants apart by showcasing a dedication to academic excellence. Especially at selective institutions, high AP scores in core subjects (like Calculus, Biology, or English) can make a positive impression.
4. Strengthen Your Major-Specific Application
If you’re planning to pursue a specific major, AP exams in related subjects can bolster your application. For example, students interested in a science or engineering field may benefit from taking AP Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus, while future humanities majors might focus on AP Literature and AP History.
Other Benefits of Taking AP Exams on the AP Test Dates
Apart from having a high score increase your college application chances, there are many other benefits of taking the exams on the AP Exam Dates. Some of these are as follows:
Apply for Scholarships
Once you take the exams on the AP Test Dates, some universities and colleges give awards or scholarships to students who have done well in their AP exams. Therefore, it helps you save money while in college.
Familiarize Yourself with College-Level Courses
Taking the AP exams can also help you become familiar with college-level courses. Once you enter college, it will be easier to transition due to the academic preparation that taking an AP course gives you.
Preparation for SAT Subject Tests
Some colleges and universities require students to take an SAT subject test before getting accepted. And if you take the AP exam on the AP Exam Dates, you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone since an AP class in the same SAT subject is already a resource you can use to study.
Positivity & Hard Word is the Key to Success
Before the AP Exam Schedule, you must prepare to ensure that you pass the test with flying colors. It can be stressful for students, but its rewards are worth it. All it takes is positivity and hard work to ace the AP exams.
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Additional Resources
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