Can middle schoolers sign up for AP exams?

So, I just found out that some 8th graders take AP exams. I'm in junior year and contemplating if I should've started earlier. Are there any real advantages if you start taking AP exams in middle school, and how does one even sign up for them at that age?

It can certainly come as a surprise to hear that some students start taking AP exams as early as middle school! While the AP program is typically designed for high school students, there are no age restrictions set by the College Board, which administers AP exams. Essentially, if a younger student is prepared and the school administering the test agrees, middle schoolers can indeed take AP exams.

As for the advantages, it really depends on the individual student. For some, it could be an opportunity to challenge themselves academically and explore subjects of interest in greater depth. Additionally, scoring well on an AP exam might demonstrate to future high schools (for 8th graders) and colleges that the student has the ability to succeed at a higher level of study. However, please note that college admissions officers will primarily focus on a student's high school record.

If a middle schooler is interested in taking an AP exam, they generally need to coordinate with a local high school that administers AP exams. The student or their parents will have to contact the school's AP Coordinator to register, as one cannot register directly through the College Board as a middle school student. Lastly, it's crucial to ensure that the student is academically prepared for the rigorous content of an AP exam, which might require additional study or even taking the corresponding AP course online or through another provider.