Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) offers more than 30 college-level courses in subjects such as English, history, humanities, languages, math, psychology and science. Students can take the AP courses that are offered in their high school. A college-level exam given at the end of the year tests the students' knowledge of the AP subject. Exam scores can then be submitted to colleges and universities for college credit.

AP courses are a good deal because:

• The course work is college-level. You may do better in college classes later because you'll know what to expect.
• You take college-level courses in your high school. This gives you a taste of college-level courses within your high school walls. Check if your high school offers AP courses.
• Students have the potential to earn both high school and college credit if they receive a qualifying score on the AP exam. This can save you time and money when you actually get to college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?

You must be a high school student in order to participate. Your high school may require a certain academic standing or GPA before you are allowed to participate. Conact with your counselor's office or school district to see if you are eligible. Check the Dual Credit Comparison Chart for more information.

How do I earn college credit?

You must take a exam which is graded on a five-point scale. College faculty from around the country are selected to grade your exam.

If you are interested in a specific college, be sure to ask the admissions office about their AP credit policy. Many colleges and universities in Minnesota award credit for scores of 3 or higher depending on the AP subject. Some colleges and universities require scores of at least 4. To see the scores required by each college, see the embedded Tableau table here.

Do all colleges and universities accept these credits?

If you are interested in a specific college, be sure to ask admissions about their AP acceptance policy. Almost all colleges and universities in Minnesota will award credit for passing AP exams, but what each institution considers "passing" can vary.

Not all colleges accept all AP subject exams, and there are instances where credit acceptance varies depending on the subject.

To see the scores required to earn college credit by institution, see the embedded Tableau table here.

How much does it cost?

It is free for students to enroll in an AP class, however college credit can only be earned by receiving a passing score (as determined by the college) on a fee-based AP exam. AP exams are free for qualified Minnesota students who demonstrate financial need; all other students pay $44-53 per exam.

Who teaches the course?

AP classes are taught by a high school teacher.

Where is the class taught?

The class is held at your high school just like the rest of your classes. Not all high schools offer AP courses. Check if your high school offers AP courses.

Learn More

For more information on AP courses, contact your school counselor or visit College Board, the nationwide administrator of AP courses.

Check if your high school offers AP courses.

Related Reports

• Rigorous Course Taking: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Concurrent Enrollment and Postsecondary Enrollment Options Programs, Fiscal Year 2016 Report To the Legislature
• Dual Credit and Exam-based Credit Acceptance Policies of Minnesota Colleges and Universities