Hey, I will be taking my first AP exams this upcoming school year but I'm not sure of the registration process. How do you do it? Does it vary by school or is a common method for everyone?
Sure, happy to help elucidate the AP Exam registration process for you!
The process typically begins with your school, specifically your school's AP coordinator. They have the responsibility of ordering the exams, so you'll need to let them know which tests you're planning to take. This usually happens in the fall.
You'll find out who the AP coordinator is through your AP teachers or guidance counselor. The coordinator will provide you the specifics of signing up, which may involve payment, deadlines, and any additional instructions. AP exam costs come to around $98 per test, but fee reductions are available for those who qualify. It's important to note that deadlines are usually fairly early - typically in November for most exams, with a second registration period in March for exams in a few subjects that are only taught in the spring semester.
Once you've paid the fee and signed up for the exam with your school’s AP coordinator, your teachers will likely provide you with a join code for each AP class on the College Board’s MyAP system. This is how you access your personal AP Classroom resources and it’s where you confirm your registration for each AP exam.
The above mostly applies to students attending schools that offer AP or homeschool students affiliated with a local school offering AP. If your school doesn't offer AP courses, or you're homeschooled and not affiliated with an institution offering AP, you will need to reach out directly to AP Services for Students provided by the College Board. They can assist in finding a local school where you can take the exam.
While there's a general framework to follow, some specifics may vary school by school, such as exact deadlines and payment methods. Hence, it's also essential to communicate directly with your AP coordinator or guidance counselor to ensure you're following the correct process unique to your school.
Hope this clarifies the process a bit! Good luck on your exams!
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