How AP Exams Impact College Admissions
How AP Exams Impact College Admissions
With the AP Exams coming in May, MEK’s focus for our Spring semester is AP Exam Prep. Each Spring, we offer small group virtual and in-person classes and private tutoring designed to give students the strategies and skills to ace their challenging AP classes and earn a 5 on the AP exam in May.
Have questions about CollegeBoard’s AP Program and Exams? MEK has the answers!
Read on to learn about everything AP, including exam structure, impact of scores on college admissions, and what MEK is doing to ensure AP Exam success!
About AP Courses
The AP Program is a set of courses developed by the CollegeBoard that are the academic equivalent of a College foundations, survey, or 101 course.
There are a variety of Humanities and STEM centered AP courses offered by the CollegeBoard, including AP Art History, AP Calculus AB, and AP English Literature & Composition. Check with your school counselor to get a comprehensive list of AP courses offered at your school.
About AP Exams
In May of each school year, AP students take an exam that assesses what they’ve learned throughout the year in their specific AP course. Exam dates and structure vary by class. However, most AP Exams are a combination of multiple choice and free response questions.
The below graphics give a breakdown of each of the popular AP Course Exams and test prep options.
Significance of AP Tests
There are a few benefits of taking an AP course, including the opportunity to save time and money toward your degree. But what are the benefits of taking an AP course?
Students can receive college credit for top exam grades.
Students who score a 5 on the AP Exam can receive college credit. However, it is important to note that receiving college credit for AP Exam scores depends on:
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- The college/university to which you are applying
- The specific AP Course & Exam you took
- The AP Test Score you earn
In fact, some colleges and universities give credit for scores of 3 or 4! Check out the graphic below to see a side by side comparison of Cornell University versus UC Berkeley.
AP Course Grades and Exam Scores impact college admissions.
College admissions officers always like to see AP classes on a students’ academic resume as long as they have a good grade in the class.
AP courses show college admissions officers that a student can handle rigorous curriculum successfully, that they are passionate about their intended major, and that they are ready to commit to that major.
Students who excel in an AP course show admissions officers that they are hardworking and dedicated to their studies, which makes the college or university you attend look good!
How should you be studying for your AP Exam?
How you study for the AP Exam depends on which AP course you are currently taking.
We sat down with our AP Teaching Team to discuss the best way to study for each of their respective exams and compiled a series of best practices to get you that 5 on the exam in May.
Click on the link below that corresponds to your current AP class to learn more about how to get the most out of your study sessions!
- AP Statistics
- AP U.S. History
- AP English Literature & Composition and AP English Language & Composition
- AP Computer Science
- AP Physics
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Calculus
Meet the Spring 2024 AP Exam Teaching Team
Minjae Park | AP Computer Science & AP Physics
As a Math & Science Teacher, Mr. Park works primarily with the Tutoring department. He is a student favorite, with his effective and engaging teaching strategies. He is also our Systems Engineer, making sure that all software and hardware is working properly and up to date so teachers can teach without a hitch.
Rachel Erwin | AP U.S. History & AP English Language and Composition
Rachel is an influential leader on the Exam Prep team. She teaches College Test Prep, H.S. Test Prep, and College Application Essays. Within the English Department, she serves as a leader for the Exam Prep team, working diligently to ensure all students’ success. With her clear and systematic approach to teaching, she helps students make huge improvements.
Justin Kim | AP Statistics
Justin has been teaching with MEK since early 2023. His experience with math and science topics make him a versatile educator, and his approach to teaching is both analytical and fair. He encourages students to take autonomy of their education through practice and diligence beyond the classroom.
Jacqueline Gooch | AP Biology
Jacqueline is a skilled science teacher with over 13 years of experience in teaching high school students. At MEK Review, she teachers virtually, using her signature enthusiasm and dynamic teaching methods to nurture a lifelong love of learning in her students.
Nicholas Lang | AP Chemistry & AP Calculus
Nick is an enthusiastic teacher devoted to helping students reach their academic goals and enjoying learning along the way. He teaches School Support math and science tutoring, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and MAPC – Competition Math.
Next Steps
Although AP courses are tough and may seem intimidating at first, a solid study plan and good study habits can help students get high grades and ace the exams.
Many AP teachers focus on only the course material, leaving students underprepared for the actual 2-3 hour exam. At MEK, we take a two-pronged approach to AP Prep. Through providing students with both lectures by experienced teachers and practice exams, students gain a solid understanding of the material and learn test-taking skills to maintain their performance under time pressure.
Click here to learn more about our AP Course offerings for Spring 2024!
Interested in registering for AP courses with MEK? Fill out our Registration Form to get started.
Or if you have questions, contact us! We look forward to hearing from you.
