Learn AP

Benefits of taking AP courses

AP courses offer many advantages for high school students seeking to further their college or university education. These advantages include:

• Preparing for college: AP coursework can help students prepare for the rigor of college-level classes.
• Exploring your interests: By taking an AP course, you can determine whether you enjoy studying a subject at the college level, which can help you decide which degree and career to pursue.
• Saving money and time: AP courses may offer college credit that can fulfill degree requirements, saving you time and money.
• Standing out to colleges: Research from The College Board shows that 85% of colleges view students with AP experience favorably during the admissions process.
• Receiving a weighted grade: High schools often give AP courses more weight when calculating GPAs, meaning your GPA can benefit from doing well in a weighted AP course.

edX AP courses

Calculus AB and BC

APⓇ Calculus is a college-level introductory course that explores essential calculus concepts like limits and differentiation. It's divided into two tracks: AB and BC. AB covers first-semester college calculus, while BC covers concepts from two introductory semesters of college calculus.

Prepare for the AP Calculus exam on edX with Davidson College's APⓇ Calculus BC course.

Psychology

Are you interested in the study of the human mind? APⓇ Psychology delves into the history of psychology, research methods, and current trends in the field. Take APⓇ Psychology Course 1: What is Psychology? with the University of British Columbia on edX.

Human Geography

APⓇ Human Geography analyzes data and societal trends to study how humans affect and interact with the Earth's physical attributes. Sign up for Introduction to APⓇ Human Geography with the University of Texas on edX.

Computer Science Principles

Computer science is a growing field with many opportunities for innovation — get a head start on your college computer science journey with Harvard CS50's APⓇ Computer Science Principles XSeries program on edX. Learn fundamentals like coding and problem-solving in this popular course.

English Literature and Composition

APⓇ English Literature and Composition courses prepare students to perform literary analyses at the college level. These classes offer opportunities to explore classic works of fiction throughout eras and genres. Take APⓇ English Literature and Composition with the University of California, Berkeley on edX.

Physics

APⓇ Physics, updated for Fall 2024, offers several semesters of college-level physics courses. Students start with algebra-based physics before progressing to more complex coursework covering electricity, magnetism, and mechanics. Study for the APⓇ Physics C Electricity and Magnetism exam with Georgetown University's edX course.

Macroeconomics

In APⓇ Macroeconomics, students interpret data, policies, and performance indicators to learn about the factors that affect an economic system. Discover economic concepts like nominal and real values, money creation, and comparative advantage with Davidson College's APⓇ Macroeconomics course on edX.

How is AP course content created?

AP coursework aims to provide the same rigor and content as a college course. Department chairs and college educators determine these expectations, deciding what students need to know to earn college credit.

While these expectations don't often change, the College Board occasionally tweaks exam and course standards and materials. It takes 2–6 years to create a framework for an AP course, and the College Board regularly reviews them for outdated information or better instructional methodology.

Each course has a committee of college faculty and former AP teachers who follow these guidelines to create coursework. These committees also choose and write materials for AP exams, which you must pass with a three on a 1–5 scale to gain college credit.

AP exams are administered in schools by AP coordinators on predetermined dates. However, the College Board announced that 28 AP exams will move online to the Bluebook app as of May 2025.

You can find many materials online to help prepare for the AP exams, including on edX. Sign up for courses like Davidson College's Challenging Concepts from APⓇ Calculus on edX and start studying today.

How long does it take to complete an AP course?

The College Board recommends taking two high school semesters or one year of high school to complete an AP course. However, some courses may only take a semester to complete. These classes are often paired together — for example, APⓇ Physics C: Mechanics and APⓇ Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism are half-year courses.

However, online AP courses like the ones offered on edX may not take as long to complete. APⓇ Italian Language and Culture with Wellesley College takes 12 weeks to complete on edX. Once you've completed the course, you can take the AP exam to potentially receive college credit.

How long does it take to complete an AP course?

The College Board recommends taking two high school semesters or one year of high school to complete an AP course. However, some courses may only take a semester to complete. These classes are often paired together — for example, APⓇ Physics C: Mechanics and APⓇ Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism are half-year courses.

However, online AP courses like the ones offered on edX may not take as long to complete. APⓇ Italian Language and Culture with Wellesley College takes 12 weeks to complete on edX. Once you've completed the course, you can take the AP exam to potentially receive college credit.