Retaking your APs: A Complete Guide

Are you considering retaking your Advanced Placement (AP) exams to boost your college application or secure college credit? It’s a significant decision that can affect your academic trajectory. Retaking AP exams could be your pathway to improving scores and demonstrating your commitment and resilience to potential colleges. But is it really worth the effort and cost?

How do you decide if retaking an AP exam is the right step for you? This complete guide will provide you with the essential information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll explore the logistics, costs, and strategic factors to consider before you commit to resitting any AP subject. Whether you’re a student, a concerned parent, or an educator, this guide aims to clarify your options and prepare you for the steps ahead.

Is it worth retaking APs?

Deciding whether to retake AP exams hinges primarily on your goals and circumstances. Statistically, higher AP grades can significantly enhance your college application. According to the College Board, students who score a 4 or 5 are often more likely to receive college credit, which can save on tuition costs and provide more flexibility in college course selection.

• College Admission Edge: Many competitive colleges prefer higher AP scores as they indicate a student’s ability to handle college-level coursework.
• Credit and Placement: Higher scores might qualify you for advanced standing or course exemptions in college, leading to potentially earlier graduation.
• Financial Savings: Achieving a score that converts into college credits can reduce the number of credits you need to pay for during your college years.

Graph showing the failure rates of the top 10 most attended AP exams in 2023

Educational experts often highlight that the decision to retake AP exams should not be taken lightly, recommending a thorough review of initial performance and consultation with teachers to assess the likelihood of score improvement.

How many attempts are there for AP?

The Advanced Placement (AP) program does not impose a limit on the number of times a student can retake an exam. This flexibility allows students to attempt to improve their scores as often as they feel necessary, provided they register and pay for each subsequent exam.

• Annual Opportunity: AP exams are offered once a year during the early weeks of May.
• No Restrictions: Students can retake the exams during any subsequent year while they are still in high school.

AP Statistics suggest that this policy enables students to better their understanding of the subject matter and refine their test-taking strategies. However, students are advised to consider the diminishing returns of multiple retakes and focus on effective preparation to maximize their potential improvement in scores during these opportunities.

Can you retake APs at any age?

While the AP program is designed primarily for high school students, there are no age restrictions for those wishing to take or retake AP exams. Adults, college students, and even younger students who feel prepared to tackle college-level coursework are eligible to register for AP exams.

• Open Eligibility: Anyone who registers and pays the exam fee can take the test, regardless of age.
• Diverse Candidates: AP exams see a range of participants from different educational backgrounds, including homeschoolers and international students.

Professional online tutors often emphasize that preparation is key, regardless of a candidate’s age. As long as the individual feels prepared to handle the rigorous content of AP exams, they can register and sit for these exams. This inclusivity helps make the AP program a valuable tool for lifelong learners aiming to advance their educational credentials.

Are AP resit exams harder than the original tests?

AP resit exams are not inherently harder than the original tests. The difficulty remains consistent, aiming to assess a full year’s worth of college-level learning. The perception of increased difficulty may stem from the pressure of improving previous scores​.

How many AP can you take a year?

The number of AP exams a student can take in a year is not limited by the College Board, but rather by the student's ability to manage the workload and their school's course offerings. Most students typically take between one and five AP courses each year, with a mix of the hardest AP coursesand the easiest AP courses, balancing their schedule to allow for optimal preparation for subjects.

• School Offerings: The availability of AP courses varies by school, which can limit how many APs a student can enroll in.
• Personal Capacity: Students should consider their extracurricular commitments and overall academic load when deciding how many APs to take.

U.S. Department of Education experts stress the importance of quality over quantity. They recommend focusing on subjects where the student has strong interests and aptitudes, as this is likely to lead to better performance on the exams and a more enjoyable learning experience.

What is the cost of retaking APs?

The exam fees of retaking an AP is the same as taking it for the first time, which as of the latest update, stands at $98 per exam in the U.S. and $128 for international students. These fees can add up, particularly for students choosing AP courses for retake.

• Standard Fee: $98 per exam within the U.S., $128 internationally.
• Additional Costs: Some schools may charge extra fees for administration or materials.

Professional AP Calculus tutors advise all students to weigh the potential benefits of retaking exams against these costs. Higher scores can lead to college credits, which may save money on tuition in the long run. However, it's important for students and families to consider their financial situation and seek out potential fee waivers or financial aid if necessary.

Factors to consider before retaking Advanced Placement exams

Before deciding to retake an AP exam, several key factors should be considered to ensure the decision aligns with the student's academic and financial goals.

• Initial Score and College Requirements: Assess whether the current score meets the acceptance criteria of the intended colleges.
• Cost vs. Benefit: Consider the exam fees and the potential savings from earning college credits.
• Time Commitment: Evaluate if the preparation time could impact other academic responsibilities or extracurricular activities.

A professional AP US History & World History tutor said:

"Approach your AP preparation with discipline and curiosity: Review thoroughly, practice consistently, and engage deeply with the material. Your success on exam day will be a reflection of the dedication you invest today."

Educational experts often stress the importance of understanding the realistic improvements possible with a retake. They suggest reviewing performance in the initial exam to identify areas of weakness that could be improved with additional study. Consulting with teachers or AP tutors can also provide insights into whether a score is likely to improve with a second attempt.

What AP subjects can I retake?

Students can retake any AP subject they wish, as there are no restrictions on specific exams for retaking. The College Board offers a wide range of AP subjects, allowing students to improve their scores in areas where they may have previously underperformed.

• AP STEM Subjects: These include AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Calculus.
• AP Humanities Subjects: Options such as AP English Literature, AP US History, and AP Psychology are available.
• AP Languages: Students can retake language exams like AP Spanish, AP French, and AP Chinese.

Experts recommend that students focus on retaking subjects where a higher score could significantly impact their college applications or lead to college credit. It's also advised to consider personal interest and aptitude in the subject, as these factors can greatly influence the likelihood of improving the score upon retaking the exam.

Is retaking APs bad?

Retaking AP exams can be a strategic decision, offering students a chance to enhance their academic records. This approach isn't universally negative but must be considered thoughtfully.

• Academic Resilience: Demonstrates a student's determination to master challenging material and improve past performance.
• Potential Risks: Consider the potential for not achieving a higher score, which could impact self-esteem and academic confidence.
• Opportunity Costs: Weighing the value of dedicating time to retake an exam versus other academic or personal growth opportunities.

Our AP English Language and AP English Literature tutors typically encourage students to view retaking AP exams as a positive opportunity for learning and improvement, particularly if they have identified clear reasons for their initial performance and have a realistic plan for improvement.

Do colleges accept AP resits?

Colleges generally accept the highest score from AP exams, including resits, when considering college credit and admissions. This acceptance can significantly benefit students who have improved their scores through retaking exams.

• Score Selection: Most colleges will consider the highest AP exam score submitted by an applicant.
• Credit Allocation: Improved scores can lead to college credit, potentially reducing tuition costs and time to graduation.
• Admissions Impact: A higher AP score can enhance an applicant's profile, demonstrating academic commitment and mastery of subject material.

Experts in US college admissions as well as Oxbridge tutors advise students to check specific college policies as some might have unique guidelines about AP scores. Typically, improving an AP exam score through a retake is seen positively, reflecting a student's persistence and dedication to their education.

What happens if you do worse in an AP resit?

Performing worse on an AP resit can be disappointing, but it is not usually detrimental to college applications, as universities typically consider the highest score submitted by a student.

• Highest Score Policy: Colleges often only take into account the highest score from multiple attempts at the same AP exam.
• Record Impact: Lower scores on subsequent attempts are generally not reported to colleges unless the student chooses to do so.
• Focus on Preparation: It highlights the importance of thorough preparation and understanding the material before attempting a resit.

Pie chart showing the gender distribution across the AP retakes 2023

Educational consultants recommend that students use the experience to learn more about their academic habits and preparation techniques. A lower score on a resit can provide valuable insights into areas that need more focus or different study strategies.

Where and when can you resit APs?

AP exams are rescheduled and taken during the annual AP testing sessions, which typically occur in early May. Students wishing to resit an exam must register for the next available testing cycle.

• Annual Schedule: AP exams are offered once a year, providing a clear timeline for students planning a retake.
• Global Availability: Exams can be taken at any designated AP testing center, which includes high schools and approved educational institutions worldwide.
• Registration Process: Students must register for their resit through their school’s AP coordinator or directly via the College Board if homeschooled or self-studying.

Experts in education stress the importance of understanding the registration deadlines and requirements for each testing cycle to ensure eligibility for a resit. It’s also advisable to begin preparation well in advance of the scheduled exam date to maximize the likelihood of improvement.

When will I get my results for my AP resits?

AP resit results are typically released in early July, around the same time as the results for first-time test-takers. This schedule allows students to plan their next steps before the new academic year begins.

• Consistent Timing: Results are generally available in early July, regardless of whether the exam was a first attempt or a resit.
• Accessing Results: Students can access their scores online through their College Board account.
• Notification System: The College Board notifies students via email once their scores are available, ensuring they can promptly check their results.

Experts recommend that students use this time to evaluate their academic strategies and decide on future steps, such as college applications or additional retakes. Timely receipt of results helps in making informed decisions regarding academic planning and college enrollment deadlines.

How to prepare for AP resits?

Effectively preparing for an AP resit requires a focused and resource-rich approach. Here are several methods to enhance your study regimen:

• Targeted Review: Focus on the sections where you previously underperformed by utilizing AP review books and detailed study guides.
• Practice Exams: Regularly complete full-length AP past papers under timed conditions to build familiarity and confidence with the exam format.
• AP Resources: Leverage the TutorChase's high quality AP study notes, as well as the College Board’s online materials and practice questions. Also explore the resources available on Khan Academy for additional support and tutorials.
• Tutoring: Consider enrolling in tutoring sessions for personalized guidance and strategies tailored to your specific needs.
• Study Groups: Engage with peers in study groups to benefit from shared knowledge and collaborative learning.

Educational experts stress the importance of using a variety of resources to comprehensively understand and tackle the material. Regular assessment through practice tests and ongoing feedback from tutors or teachers can significantly improve your chances of a better score on the resit.

Conclusion

Retaking AP exams can be a worthwhile endeavor for students aiming to enhance their college applications or secure college credit. By carefully weighing the costs, potential benefits, and personal readiness, students can make informed decisions that align with their academic and career goals. As you consider retaking any AP exams, focus on your preparation strategies, consult with educators, and use available resources to improve your chances of achieving a higher score. Remember, each retake is an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and a commitment to academic excellence.