AP Exams FAQ
The most common questions about the exam — answered clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need for college credit?
Most colleges accept 3 or higher. Selective schools (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford) often require 4 or 5, and may not accept all subjects.
How many APs should I take?
Quality > quantity. 4–8 strong AP scores across high school is typically more impressive than 12 mediocre ones. Take APs in subjects you'll actually pursue.
Are AP exams curved?
Yes — College Board sets cut scores each year so the percentage earning each grade is roughly stable. ~13–14% earn 5s on most subjects.
What's the hardest AP exam?
Subjective — but US Government & Politics, Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Chemistry have lower 5-rates. AP Music Theory and AP Latin are also notoriously difficult.
Can I retake an AP exam?
Yes, but only once a year (May). Colleges see all scores by default; you can suppress an old score for $10 per institution.