Advanced Placement

What is AP?

Advanced Placement (AP) is a globally recognized program created by the U.S. College Board. It introduces university-level material to highly motivated high school students. At Abbey Park, AP courses:

• Follow the Ontario Curriculum, enhanced with AP content
• Provide an opportunity to write the AP Exam in May, regardless of when the course is taken
• Challenge students to think critically and manage their learning independently

Benefits of AP

Students who take AP courses can:

• Earn first-year university credits (depending on university policies)
• Stand out on post-secondary applications with evidence of academic rigour
• Experience university-level assessments while still in high school
• Build strong organizational skills and self-discipline

Fun Fact: Last year, 88% of Abbey Park students who wrote AP exams scored Level 3 or higher!

Things to Consider

While AP offers significant benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Students should be aware that:

• AP courses move faster and cover more content than regular classes
• Success may require extra independent study, tutorials, or study groups
• There is increased pressure when preparing for university-style exams

Courses & Exams Offered

AP Courses at Abbey Park:

• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP English Literature
• AP Chemistry
• AP Biology
• AP Computer Science A

AP Exams Available at Abbey Park:

• AP Psychology
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Statistics

Students wishing to write exams not offered at Abbey Park (e.g., AP Physics, AP World History) may register at alternate locations such as Bronte College in Mississauga.

When Can a Student Take AP?

• Students may register for an AP course after completing the required Grade 11 prerequisite.
  • Example: After completing Grade 11 Functions, a student may take AP Advanced Functions and Calculus in Grade 12.
• Self-study AP exams can be written at any time, but students are encouraged to take the related high school course first.

Exam Registration

• Registration Period: September to mid-November (for May exams)
• Cost: $140 per exam (includes proctoring fee)
• Refund Policy: $70 refund available if canceled after the deadline

Registration is a two-step process:

1. Pay online via School Cash Online
2. Register at myap.collegeboard.org to access prep resources and confirm your exam order

Questions?

For more information about AP courses and exams at Abbey Park, students and parents are encouraged to speak with Guidance or visit collegeboard.org.