THE BENEFITS OF AP

As AP program is highly recognized by top universities around the world, students who aim to major in math, science, engineering, and business at top universities in the U.S, U.K, and Canada are strongly advised to enrol in AP courses relevant to their desired majors. High achievers in the courses and exams will have an edge and allow them to stand out in the competition when applying to universities. This is particularly helpful for students who would like to get into prestigious universities.

While the curriculum and difficulty level of AP courses are of university level, it is important to note that AP test scores are also included in calculating a student’s GPA along with their grade 12 course grades. Students with high test scores (usually 4 or higher) may earn credits towards certain university courses. This will not only save students time in completing their degree, but also translate into significant savings in their tuition fees. For a student currently enrolled at UBC where the cost of a 3 credit course is around $4,000 for an international student (Source: https://students.ubc.ca/enrolment/finances/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition-fees), the university credits earned from demonstration of excellence on AP tests will allow a student to take up to two less courses to complete their degree, or up to $8,000 in tuition savings.

NOTE
Considering AP tests are held in May of every year and that acceptance letters for early admission into universities are usually issued and sent before this time, students are advised to complete their AP courses and exams before they enter Grade 12, so that they can make the most effective use of the opportunity if AP program is something for them.

Students can start with subjects such as computer science and psychology once their proficiency of English is above a certain level, then move on to subjects such as calculus, chemistry, and physics when they have completed the Gr. 12 level course of the subjects.

AP courses are in essence, more challenging than secondary school level courses in terms of both the curriculum and level of difficulty, hence greater commitment and effort are needed for students who would like to do well.

Due to the fact that the AP program was developed by College Board in the U.S, which uses Imperial system instead of the metric system for units of measurement, in addition to studying the core course materials students must familiarize themselves with using and converting units such as inches, feet, and gallons.

AP COURSES

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created in 1955 by College Board, a U.S. non-profit organization. Since its inception, the program has gained popularity and expanded its offering from just ten courses to forty as of today. AP courses can be grouped into four major categories: math and sciences, liberal arts, languages, and arts.

Because the AP program is designed to give academically strong students the opportunity for direct access to universities, the difficulty level of AP courses is also higher than that of secondary school-level courses.

The AP program is often compared side-by-side with IB (International Baccalaureate) Program which originated in Switzerland. Both programs are recognized by post-secondary institutions around the world and provide similar educational benefits to students but in different ways.

Generally speaking, AP program is relatively bigger in North America, while IB program is more well-known in Europe. While IB program takes a more systematic approach and offers courses from primary school level all the way to senior high school level, only two grade levels at maximum are available for each course under the AP program. While AP program doesn’t have restrictions on when students must take or when they must complete a course, success in passing a course is determined by the test score.

Enrolling in AP courses at Maple Hill School guarantees a spot on the AP exam. The following AP courses are offered at Maple Hill School:
  • AP 2-D Art & Design
  • AP 3-D Art & Design
  • AP Biology
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
  • AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
  • AP Psychology

AP EXAMS

AP exams are administered during the first two weeks of May every year around the world. The exams are graded using a special 5-point scoring system. While the method used in the grading system is complex, in general, scoring 65% and over on subjects in the math and science category such as calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology will convert to the equivalence of 5 points. The same applies to history and geography courses in the liberal arts category. However, as for language courses, psychology, and economics, a score of 75% or higher is required to acquire 5 points.

 

AP EXAMS

Registration link to our AP exams are posted in mid September of every year can be found in the News section on our homepage.

FAQ – AP EXAMS

What are the AP Exam Dates & Time?

 

Can I register for late-testing exams?

  • If the late-testing exam you are looking for is offered and still have spots on the application form, you can go ahead with applying for it, however you must provide a detailed and valid explanation in the next question for our review and approval.

 

Are there mock exams that I can take?

AP Chinese Language and Culture is the only AP exam for which we offer mock exams. We highly recommend participating in this practice exam to ensure a streamlined experience. The mock exam is free of charge for students registered with Maple Hill School and is typically held 1-2 weeks before the AP exam. Detailed information will be sent via email as the exam date approaches.

 

How do I apply for AP exams?

  • Please note that while we only accept online applications through our application link, and that all students must submit new applications every year to take AP exams at Maple Hill School, application link will go live in mid September. Please check for application link on our homepage under the News section.
  • Once we receive and finish reviewing your application, an invoice including payment information (WeChat/Alipay/EMT Interac E-Transfer) will be emailed to you within (1) business day.
  • Exams will be automatically CANCELLED if payment is not received within (3) business days from the date when the invoices are sent out. Please check your spam or junk folder for invoices to ensure you don’t miss them.
  • Exam join codes will be emailed to you within (1) business day once payment is received and confirmed. *** Students will then need to create/register a MyAP account themselves on CollegeBoard’s website and enter the codes as soon as possible, otherwise we cannot order their exams***

 

How do I check in for my exams? What do I need to bring on the day of my exams?

  • You should Arrive at least (20) minutes before the exam time, as check-in can be a lengthy process when many examinees are trying to check in simultaneously. According to College Board policy, once an exam has started, students cannot be admitted into the exam room.
  • You must also bring:
  • A piece of government-issued photo ID (ex. Driver’s license, passport, citizenship card, PR card)
  • Your own laptop pre-installed with the Bluebook app – Download Link：https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students/download-bluebook
    • Starting in 2025, all AP exams will be conducted either digitally or in a hybrid format (combining digital and written sections). Except for AP Chinese, students will need to bring their own laptops with Bluebook installed for the exam. We will not be providing laptops.
  • Required stationary items:

 

How do I cancel writing my exams? Is there any fee?

While we do not offer refunds for any reason, There are no fees to cancel writing an exam. You can inform us by writing to apexam@maplehilledu.com or calling us 604-285-9965 during our regular hours.

 

How can I cancel my exam scores if I’m not satisfied with them?

To cancel your AP exam score, please refer to the AP Score Cancellation Form and instructions available on CollegeBoard’s website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/score-reporting-services/cancel-scores

  • According to CollegeBoard (please verify the most current information on their website):
    “Scores can be canceled at any time, but for scores not to be sent to the college, university, or scholarship program that you indicated as your free score report recipient at cb.org/apfreescoresend, the AP Program must receive your request by June 15 of the year you took the AP Exam.”
  • You must either mail or fax the form to CollegeBoard yourself. Here are some free online tools/resources that you may consider using to fax your form if you do not have a scanner and fax at home:
    • Scanning paper documents by taking a pictures with your phone:
      •  CamScanner (available through the app store on your mobile device (ex. AppStore (iOS) or GooglePlayStore (for most Android devices))
    • Online Faxing Service (Free faxing service is limited to: Maximum 3 pages/fax, and maximum 2 free faxes/day):
  • To complete your cancellation form, you will need to provide information and school code for the school you attend (not Maple Hill School) :