• AP Frequently Asked Questions


    Where will my exam be held?  For AP testing calendar and information, click here. 

    What about exams scheduled on on May 8 when schools are closed? Exams scheduled on May 8 will take place as scheduled on that day.

    What if I requested a make-up testing date? Students who were granted late testing by PPS will test in late May. You should have received date and time confirmation from PPS.
     
    What do I need to know about testing day? For important information on what to bring and other details, click here.
     
    Where will my exam be held?

    Most exams will be held at the Portland Expo Center, located at 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland. AP Japanese and AP Chinese will be held at the BESC, which is at 501 N. Dixon St., Portland. AP Studio Art is held at Wilson.  Allow plenty of time for traffic and parking. 
     
    Students testing with accommodations are testing at Greater Portland Bible Church 2374 SW Vermont St. or at Wilson.  All students testing with accommodations will receive a note in classrooms by May 2 confirming their exam location. For a map to the church location, click here.

  • Advanced Placement

    Wilson High School has a long-standing tradition of providing academic opportunities that challenge students to achieve excellence in the classroom. The Advanced Placement (AP) program at Wilson demonstrates that commitment and our successes put us on par with the strongest college prep high schools in Oregon and the nation.

    Wilson High School has outperformed both the State of Oregon and the Global average for AP exam scores in each of the last six years. We currently offer 25 AP courses.

    Why Take AP Courses?

    • Rigorous coursework provides thorough preparation for post-secondary education.
    • Nationally recognized AP courses make your transcript stand out in the college admissions process.
    • Students earning scores of 3 or higher often earn college-level credit and placement into advanced courses.
    • AP exam scores of 3 or higher can earn you credits toward your college degree allowing you to graduate sooner and save money on college tuition.
    • AP courses prepare students for the Advanced Placement International Diploma.
    • AP credits are also accepted at colleges and universities in over 60 countries around the world.

     

    How Do I Get College Credit for AP Courses?

    Click on the links below to see how a representative sample of colleges allow students to apply AP credits to their college curriculum:

    Portland Community College (Community College)

    Oregon State University (Public Four-Year College/University)

    Lewis & Clark College (Private Four-Year College/University)

     
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    Advanced Placement International Diploma

    In addition to the courses offered through the Advanced Placement program at Wilson, students may choose to pursue the Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID). It is a globally recognized certificate for students who may plan to apply to a university outside of the United States. This includes Canada, The Americas, South Africa, Asia, and the Pacific including China, Australia, Europe and Near East South Asia. It is recognized as part of the admission process at such schools as University of British Columbia, London Metropolitan University, Royal Academy of Music, London, and University of St. Andrews, and many more. The APID is not a substitute for a high school diploma, but rather provides additional certification of outstanding academic excellence.

    Similar to an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, the APID challenges a student to display exceptional achievement by taking AP Exams across several disciplines.

    To earn an APID, students must earn scores of three or higher on at least FIVE AP exams
    in the following content areas:
    1. Two AP Exams from two different languages selected from English and/or world languages. Wilson offers AP courses in English, Spanish and French.
    2. One AP Exam designated as offering a global perspective: World History, Human Geography, and Comparative Government and Politics.
    3. One exam from the sciences or mathematics content areas: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics.
    4. One (or two) additional exam(s) from among any content areas except English and world languages. These include the content areas already described as well as history and social sciences and the arts: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, US History, World History, U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Government and Politics, Psychology, Music Theory, Studio Art: Drawing, Studio Art: 2-D Design, Ceramics.

     

AP Quick Links

AP Courses at Wilson

  • AP Capstone
    AP Seminar

    Art
    AP Studio Art: Drawing
    AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
    AP Studio Art: 2-D Design (Photography)
    AP Studio Art: 3-D Design (Ceramics)
    AP Art History

    English
    AP English Language &
       Composition
    AP English Literature &
       Composition

    Math
    AP Calculus AB
    AP Calculus BC
    AP Statistics

    Performing Arts
    AP Music Theory

    Science
    AP Environmental Science
    AP Biology
    AP Chemistry
    AP Physics Part 1
    AP Physics Part 2
    AP Physics C: Mechanics

    Social Studies
    AP Microeconomics
    AP Macroeconomics
    AP Comparative Government
       and Politics
    AP U.S. Government
       and Political Science
    AP World History
    AP Psychology
    AP Human Geography

    World Language
    AP Spanish Language

  • 2019 Schedule of AP Exams

     


     

    Click Here for the Late Exam Schedule

     

    What to Bring to your AP Exam:

    • Picture ID is required This can be a government or school-issued photo ID.
    • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils (with erasers) for all multiple-choice answer sheets.
    • Pens with black or dark blue ink for completing areas on the exam booklet cover and the free-response questions.
    • A watch (in case your exam room does not have a clock that you can see easily).
    • A ruler or straightedge if you are taking an AP® Physics Exam.
    • Your social security number for identification (optional). If you provide it, the number will appear on your AP® Score Report.
    • Calculators: If you are taking Biology, you can ONLY use a simple four-function calculator with square root. AP Calculus, Chemistry, Statistics, and Physics students need to be responsible for bringing up to two approved calculatorsand a ruler or straightedge if taking AP Physics. Calculators are not provided.

     

    What Not to Bring to your AP Exam Room:

    • Cell phones, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), BlackBerry Smartphones, Bluetooth-enabled devises, MP3 players, email/messaging devices, or any other electronic or communication devices. If cell phones are brought they will be collected and returned to you after the exam.
    • Rulers and straightedges (except as noted above).
    • Scratch paper (notes can be made on portions of the exam booklets).
    • Computers (except as noted for students with disabilities), or calculators (except as noted below).
    • Watches that beep or have an alarm.
    • Portable listening or recording devices (even with headphones) or photographic equipment.
    • Clothing with subject-related information.

     

    Food and Drink Rule:

    You are not allowed to eat or drink during exams. You may bring a snack, and something to drink, in a separate bag (not your backpack) to set underneath your desk and eat during break.

    Parents and Transporters:

    Morning exams usually end by noon. Afternoon exams may go as late as 4:00pm. Students are required to arrive no later than 7:15am for the morning exam, and no later than 11:15am for the afternoon exam. Students who arrive late may not be able to take the exam. Students will not be dismissed until an exam has officially ended. If you play a sport, or have a job, it is your responsibility to inform your coach or employer of your AP® obligation.

     
  •  

    Advanced Placement Exams: May 6-17, 2019
    Cost: $72 per exam, includes  sample exams, mock exams, and test prep materials

    Register online by February 15, 2019:  www.aptestservice.com/pps

    Accommodations: Students on an IEP, 504, ESL or who need other accommodations must apply online with CollegeBoard prior to February 22nd.  Check with CollegeBoard or Abby Menashe as you may have already received them if you applied for accommodations for the PSAT or SAT previously. Whether you already have accommodations, or are applying for accommodations, please notify Abby Menashe in the main office.  Students granted accommodations will test at Wilson or a designated location close to Wilson.

    Exams scheduled at the same time or same day? Register for both exams as scheduled and the district will move one of your exams to the late exam week.  You will be notified of this late date after spring break.

    Have additional questions?  See the PPS AP Website for answers.  If you still have questions contact Abby Menashe in the main office (amenashe@pps.net).

    Financial Assistance:  Fees are waived for students on the Free and Reduced Lunch program;  complete a Financial Assistance form and return it with your registration.  Financial assistance is available for others needing help paying the fee; complete the Financial Assistance form and submit to the office for review.

    Also attached are the AP Study Sites which have a wealth of information regarding the AP program, exams and study assistance.

    More info

    There will be no late registration or walk-in's this year so don’t delay!

    All PPS students: go to the AP online exam registration site listed at the bottom of this document and follow the online instructions. Before registering, please have the following information ready; incorrect information could delay or cancel your exam registration:

    • Your full name and student ID
    • Your date of birth
    • Your and your parent/guardian’s mailing address
    • Your and your parent/guardian’s email addresses
    • Your and your parent/guardian’s phone numbers

    Permission: You and your parent/guardian will be asked to provide an electronic signature agreeing to two things:

    1. The student has permission to travel to/from the off-campus testing site(s).
    2. You (the student) will adhere to test security regulations as laid out in the guidelines by PPS on the registration website as well as in the College Board Bulletin for AP Students and Parents. Regulations cover the use of cell phones and other electronic equipment, food and drink and calculators.


    Do you qualify for Free and Reduced priced meals? Or are you otherwise unable to pay for your exams? 

    • Contact your school’s AP Coordinator to discuss a fee waiver. You will be asked to obtain a parent/guardian signature on a form requesting a fee waiver. When approved you will receive a fee waiver code
    • Go to the PPS AP online exam registration site listed at the bottom of this document, and use your fee waiver code to complete registration for the AP exams you wish to take.
    • You will receive a follow up email confirming that your registration is complete, along with the day/time/location of your exam(s).
    • **Improper use of a fee waiver code will immediately cancel your AP exam registration.

    Paying for the exam? You will be prompted to pay for your exams(s) one of three ways:

    • Paying with credit/debit card? Once you complete online payment, you will receive a follow up email confirming that your registration is complete, along with the day/time/location of your exam(s).
    • Paying with check/money order? You will need to mail in your payment to the APTS address provided on the registration website. Your registration will be incomplete and you will not able to take your AP exams until payment is received and processed by APTS. Once payment is received by APTS, you will receive a follow up email confirming your registration is complete, along with the day/time/location of your exam(s).
    • Paying with cash? please submit payment to your school’s bookkeeper. Once FULL payment is received, you will receive a follow up email confirming your registration is complete, along with the day/time/location of your exam(s). ***Until FULL payment is received, your registration will be considered incomplete and you will not be able to take the AP exam(s).

    Want to take more than one AP exam? You may sign up for additional AP exams online at any time up until the February 15th registration deadline.

    Need a late exam date? If you are unable to take your AP exam at the regular day and time, please contact your school’s AP Coordinator to discuss late testing options. Depending on circumstances, you may be required to pay an additional $45 fee to take a late exam.

    ***Remember, there are no refunds for AP exams once payment is received.***

    Need to register for exams that are offered at the same time? Complete registration as normal. APTS will contact you by email with the date/time/location of the exams you have been assigned to take as a late exam.

    Where are the exams held? Except for the AP Japanese and AP Chinese exams, all AP exams will be hosted at the Expo Center: 2060 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97217 (map). AP Japanese and AP Chinese will be hosted again at Benson.

    Accommodations: Students on an IEP, 504, ESL or who need other accommodations must apply online with CollegeBoard prior to February 22nd.  Check with CollegeBoard or Abby Menashe as you may have already received them if you applied for accommodations for the PSAT or SAT previously.
     

    Ready to register? Go to www.aptestservice.com/pps

    Once full payment or fee waiver code is received, you will receive a follow up email confirming your registration is complete, along with the day/time/location of your exam(s). ***Until FULL payment is received, your registration will be considered incomplete and you will not be able to take the AP exam(s).

    Mandatory AP Pre-Administration, Students who have completed the online registration for AP exams must meet in the cafeteria during Tutor Time on Thursday, April 19 or Friday April 20 to complete pre-administration forms.  Pre-administration must be completed for each of your exams prior to May.

    Need to cancel or change an exam? If you need to cancel an exam you have already registered for or change any of your contact information, email AP Test Service directly at:info@aptestservice.com.  Remember, there are no refunds for AP exams once payment is received.

    Parking: All students are encouraged to carpool, be dropped off or take mass transit to their testing location. For those who need to drive, parking vouchers will be issued upon exam completion at the Oregon Convention Center.

    Leave yourself plenty of travel time.  You can’t be late and traffic or parking will not be a valid excuse.

    This registration process is for enrolled Wilson students only. If you are not a current PPS student, and would like to take an AP exam with PPS, please contact Anna Lortz at 503-916-3517.

     

    How To Get Your AP Scores

    AP scores will be available online beginning in early July. They will not be mailed to you. Before you can access your  AP Scores, you’ll need to sign up for a College Board account if you don't already have one. We encourage you to sign up for a College Board account as soon as possible (be sure to make a note of your username and password). Provide the same information on both your College Board account and your AP answer sheet. You may already have an account—try signing in to confirm.

    AP scores are accessible online based on your physical location when you log in; the date of availability of scores is not based on where you live or where you took the exam. Look for an email in early July at the same address you put on your AP answer sheet, reminding you how and when to access your scores. Your browser must be set to allow cookies.

    To access your scores you will need your Your College Board account username and password and your AP number (or student ID number if you provided it on your AP answer sheet).

    You will be able to view your entire score and score-send history. Students who wish to send additional score reports to colleges, universities and scholarship programs will be able to do so. Learn how to rush-send your scores to colleges and universities.

    Watch this videos for help accessing your scores:

    For additional information see more College Board score information here.
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    AP Exam Study Resources

    There are many ways to help you prepare for the AP Exams, starting with the Wilson Library, where you will find study guides available for many of the exams. Looking for AP Study Guides? The Library has copies of guides for many.

    Following are some websites with free preparation information for the exams. While this is not an endorsement of the sites, or a ranking of one site over the other, we hope you find them helpful!

    College Board AP Prep: College Board is the organization that administers the AP Exam. This is a free website and does not require login.

     

    • Free-Response Questions: Hone your essay-writing and problem-solving skills with previously administered free-response questions.
    • Study Skills and Test-Taking Tips: Collection of tips to help you meet the demands of the AP course and exam.
      • Foreign Language
      • Math and Science
      • History and Social Science

     

    College Board AP Central: The site offers access to AP Exam overviews, as well as sample multiple-choice questions, free-response questions, and portfolio samples for AP Studio Art. The direct link to general information for students is at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org. To link directly to the list of practice questions by subject area, go to https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/preparing-for-exams.

    AP Study Notes: This site offers, free study guides and notes, practice quizzes, cram guides and more.

    Cram.com: Cram.com offers free flashcards, study guides and games to help you study for your AP Exam. Type your AP subject into their search engine, to find a selection of resources. There is a mobile app as well.

    Test Prep Preview: This site offers information about taking the AP test and free practice tests.

    Spark Notes: This is a free website but does require you to create a log-in. Their website has information for quick reviews, in-depth study sessions, and AP test taking practices. Review materials help you make sense of the most confusing material and testing software will help you pinpoint your weaknesses and tackle them effectively. Their AP Test Centers offer quick reviews of specific subject areas, full course reviews for select subjects, and diagnostic testing with full explanations to help you determine your study needs. Tests covered include:

    • Biology
    • Calculus AB & BC
    • Chemistry
    • English Language
    • English Literature
    • European History
    • Psychology
    • U.S. Government
    • U.S. History
    • World History

     

    Cliffs Notes: Cliffs Notes provides links to a variety of AP test articles. Click the High School link.

    Test Frenzy: AP Practice offers links to practice tests and study resources for many AP subjects including:

    • Art History
    • Biology
    • Calculus AB & BC
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • English Language
    • English Literature
    • Environmental Science
    • Macroeconomics
    • Microeconomics
    • Physics B & C
    • Psychology
    • Statistics
    • U.S. Government
    • U.S. History
    • World History

    Stat Trek: Stat Trek has a forty-question multiple choice AP Statistics test that can be scored automatically. In addition, it has a tutorial on AP Statistics topics and a list of formulas.

    ScienceGeek.net: For students in advanced chemistry planning to take the AP test, ScienceGeek.net: offers interactive study guides and review questions on AP chemistry topics.

    AP Calculus Practice Exams: This website, hosted by the University of Houston’s Mathematics Department, has five different printable versions of the full 2006, 2008, and 2009 AB and BC tests along with a key for each version.

    AP History Study Notes:  This site offers study guides, practice quizzes, and vocabulary for AP US and World History.

    Learn AP Physics: This website has video lessons and sample problems with solutions on AP Physics topics.

     

    Free Test Online:  Tests for AP Physics B+C; Calculus AB+BC; Statistics

    Quizlet: This free website (mobile app also available) offers flashcards, tests and study games. It is good for AP exam preparation and for AP class study help. The site has support for all AP subjects. Login is not required, but creating a free login provides added benefit and features.

    AP Practice exams:  Free AP practice tests, great AP resources such as notes, outlines, study guides and exam review.