How Long Are AP Exams and Can You Retake Them?

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are just one way students applying to the Ivy League and other top universities show admissions officers that they can challenge themselves academically and excel in their academic performance. But as exam day approaches, many students and parents wonder, “How long is each AP exam, and what if I need to retake it?” Knowing the length and structure of these exams is essential for effective preparation, and understanding retake policies can help you strategize for future opportunities. This guide will walk you through the timing of each AP exam and provide insights into retake options to ensure you’re fully prepared.

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AP Exam Lengths by Subject

Each AP exam has its own unique structure, combining multiple-choice questions, free-response sections, and sometimes additional components like essays or portfolios. Understanding the time commitment for each AP exam is key to managing your test day effectively. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive table outlining the length of each AP exam, so you know exactly how much time to allocate for each subject on your AP journey.

Can You Retake AP Exams?

If you didn’t achieve the score you were hoping for on an AP exam, you’re not alone — and the good news is that retaking an AP exam is possible. However, there are specific rules and timelines to keep in mind when considering a retake. While all AP exams follow the same basic retake policy, individual class requirements and strategies for retaking can differ. In this section, we’ll explore the AP retake rules, discuss any notable differences among AP subjects, and offer guidance to help you make the most of your second chance if you decide to retake an AP exam.

Retaking Rules and Procedures

According to the College Board:

• AP exams are only administered once a year, so any retake must be scheduled for the following year.
• Both scores from the original and retaken exams will be reported to colleges unless you choose to withhold or cancel one of the scores.
• Late Testing: If something unexpected occurs that prevents you from testing on the scheduled date, reach out to your AP coordinator about a possible late testing date.

Withholding and Canceling Scores

If you’re concerned about a previous score, you have two options:

Withhold a Score: Prevents the score from being sent to colleges you select.

• Colleges will not see the score, nor will they know you took the exam.
• Withholding a score costs $10 per college recipient and is reversible for $15 per college if you change your mind.
• To withhold a score, submit a request through the College Board by June 15 of the test year.

Cancel a Score: Permanently removes the score from your record.

• Canceling is free but irreversible.
• This option must also be completed by June 15 on the College Board website.

When To Consider Retaking an AP Exam

Retaking an AP exam can be beneficial, but it's a decision that requires careful thought. Here are the situations in which a retake might be worth considering:

• Health issues impact your focus or performance on test day.
• Outdated study materials: You discovered that you were studying from resources not aligned with the current exam format.
• Newly diagnosed learning disability: You’ve since qualified for accommodations that may improve your performance.
• Increased time for prep: A less demanding schedule now allows you to invest more time into studying.
• Test strategy oversight: You forgot to use essential test aids, like a calculator or formula sheet, during the exam.

Important Considerations Before a Retake

When deciding to retake, think about:

• Impact on College Applications: Will an improved score significantly influence admissions or financial aid opportunities?
• Time Commitment: Preparing for a retake requires substantial study time and may conflict with your new classes.

Additional Services: Multiple-Choice Rescore

For paper-based AP exams, you can request a hand rescore of your multiple-choice answers. This option is not available for digital AP exams or computer-based exams, such as AP Chinese and AP Japanese.

If you’re considering a retake, weigh your options carefully and ensure the time commitment aligns with your academic goals. With thoughtful preparation, an AP retake can be a valuable step in strengthening your college application.

Longest AP Exams & Shortest AP Exams

The majority of exams are around three hours in length with the longest exams being 3 Hours + 15 minutes and the shortest being 1 Hour + 30 Minutes. Here is a breakdown of the AP exams that fall into the longest and shortest groups:

How To Study for the AP Exams

Whether you're taking an AP test for the first time, retaking a previous exam, or managing multiple exams at once, effective preparation is essential to performing your best. Each situation requires a slightly different approach, from those new to AP testing to experienced students juggling several subjects. With the right strategies, resources, and a solid study plan, you can maximize your prep time and boost your confidence before test day. Here are some key tips to help you organize your study sessions and make the most of your AP exam preparation.

Tips for AP Exam Prep

• Understand the Exam Format - Familiarize yourself with the structure of your specific AP exam, including the types of questions (multiple-choice, free-response, etc.), timing, and scoring.
• Create a Study Schedule - Build a realistic, consistent study plan that allows you to cover all content areas without cramming. Aim for steady, weekly sessions leading up to the exam rather than trying to absorb everything at the last minute.
• Use Official Practice Exams - College Board offers official AP practice exams, which can be invaluable for understanding how questions are structured. Practice with real exams and time yourself to simulate test day conditions.
• Review Past Notes and Materials - Go back through your class notes, assignments, and any handouts provided by your teacher. Make sure you have a solid grasp of all major concepts and topics covered in the course.
• Focus on Weak Areas - Identify the topics where you feel less confident and prioritize them in your study schedule. Concentrating on weaker areas can improve your overall score.
• Form a Study Group - Studying with classmates can make prep more engaging and help reinforce your understanding. Teach each other different topics, quiz one another, and discuss any confusing concepts.
• Practice with Flashcards - Use flashcards, either physical or digital (like Quizlet), for vocabulary, definitions, formulas, and quick facts. Flashcards are particularly useful for subjects with a lot of memorization, such as AP Biology or AP U.S. History.
• Practice Writing for Free-Response Questions - For exams that include free-response sections, like AP English or AP History, practice writing concise and clear responses. Focus on structuring your answers well and addressing all parts of the question.
• Set Realistic Goals - Determine the score you need or hope to achieve based on your college goals, and plan your study sessions accordingly. Having a clear goal can motivate you to stay consistent in your efforts.

Final Thoughts:

Preparing for AP exams is a valuable step toward showcasing your academic strengths, which can set you apart in competitive admissions to Ivy League schools and other top universities. With Crimson's expert guidance, you’re set up for success — not only on AP exams but also in building a standout application. Crimson students consistently increase their odds of gaining admission to these prestigious institutions, thanks to a personalized, team-based approach that highlights each student’s unique strengths.

Whether you’re seeking help to study for your AP exams, perfect your personal statement, or secure impactful extracurricular opportunities, Crimson is here to support you at every step. Our comprehensive support includes:

• Standardized Test Preparation: Customized strategies to maximize your AP and other standardized test scores.
• Application Theme Creation: Collaborate with a strategist to develop a unified theme that showcases your academic interests, achievements, and goals.
• Extracurricular Bolstering: Work closely with a mentor to strengthen your leadership roles and make a meaningful impact in your extracurricular activities.
• Common Mistake Check: Review your application to avoid small errors that could influence admissions outcomes.

Don’t miss your opportunity to excel on your AP exams and stand out to top university admissions officers. Book a free consultation to start building your application to get accepted to your dream university.

Additional Resources:

BLOG: The Ultimate College Application Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide 

COLLEGE BOARD: Official AP Exam Materials