Can I Take AP Exams Without Taking AP Courses?
Yes, you can definitely take AP exams without taking the corresponding AP courses. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process, available resources, and steps to follow.
General Information
According to official guidelines, you don't necessarily need to take a specific AP course to take the AP exam. While it is highly recommended to take the full course as preparation, there are alternative methods to prepare for the exam. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Registering for the Exam
Similar to registering for other ETS (Educational Testing Service) exams, you can register for AP exams through your school or a local testing center. If your school doesn't offer the specific AP course you wish to take, you can find a school or testing center nearby that does offer it. If you find that no schools nearby are administering the exam, there are contingency measures in place to ensure you can still take the exam.
Self-Study Resources and Preparation
To prepare for the AP exam without taking the course, you should focus on the skills and content outlined in the course and exam description. This document will provide you with a clear understanding of what you need to know to succeed on the exam. Additionally, College Board offers practice tests and released free-response questions (FRQs) that can be very helpful. UWorld is another excellent resource for test prep. The questions closely mimic the actual exam format, and the explanations provide detailed instructions rather than just stating whether an answer is correct or incorrect.
It's important to work consistently and practice test questions often. Consistent study and practice will enhance your understanding and improve your chances of performing well on the exam.
Finding a School to Administer the Exam
To find a school that can administer the exam, start by visiting the AP Course Ledger. The AP Course Ledger is an official, up-to-date comprehensive list of schools that have passed the AP Course Audit. You can search by country, state/province, or city to find a school near you where you might be able to test.
After finding schools near you that offer the exam, call the school’s main phone number and request to speak with the AP coordinator. Ask if the school is planning to allow homeschooled students to test there this year. This is a crucial step, as it will help you confirm whether you can take the exam at this school.
Deadlines and Contingency Plans
The deadline for exam ordering is extended to March 12 for any students unable to find a school to order an AP Exam for them by November 13. In early 2021, details will be shared about a contingency testing option for students unable to test in a school due to the ongoing pandemic.
Keep in mind that schools may have their own local deadlines and policies for receiving requests from outside students to test at their school. Therefore, it's important to give yourself as much time as possible to contact schools. Updates will be made to the AP Course Ledger for 2020-21 in November, so check the Ledger again in November to see if any schools in your area were added.
Conclusion
Taking AP exams without taking the corresponding course is possible, and there are numerous resources and steps you can take to prepare. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently take your desired AP exams and achieve your academic goals.