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Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Information

Hastings High School administers Advanced Placement (AP) examinations to students enrolled at Hastings High School only. Exceptions are made for Hastings residents who do not attend Hastings High School.

AP examinations are available to:

  • Students enrolled in AP courses at Hastings High School. Students are expected to take the corresponding AP examination.
  • “Exam-Only” Students (Case-by-Case Approval). Students may request to take AP exams in subjects not currently offered at Hastings High School. Approval is based on demonstrated independent preparation and academic readiness.

Exam-Only Request Process:

  • Student submits a written request to their assigned School Counselor
  • School Counselor reviews the student’s preparation plan (e.g., self-study, online coursework, dual enrollment, etc.)
  • Counselor consults with the appropriate Department Chair
  • If appropriate, the request is forwarded to the Director of Counseling
  • The Director of Counseling makes the final determination based on:
    • Testing capacity
    • Alignment with the student’s academic plan

Special Considerations:

  • Mathematics Exception: Students requesting to take the AP Precalculus exam as an exam-only option (to meet prerequisites for AP Calculus AB or BC) may be approved with Department Chair and Director of Counseling authorization.
  • Senior Exceptions: Seniors who were unable to enroll in certain AP courses may request exam-only access for courses currently offered, subject to approval.

Registration & Administration:

  • The Director of Counseling manages all AP exam registrations through the College Board’s AP Registration and Ordering System
  • Exams are administered in May following the official College Board schedule
  • Exams follow all College Board security protocols
  • Portfolio-Based AP Exams: AP 2-D Art & Design and AP 3-D Art & Design. These require portfolio submissions by a College Board deadline. Standard exam fees apply.
  • Materials & Preparation: Students enrolled in AP courses will receive materials from their AP teachers. Exam-only students are responsible for obtaining all necessary preparation materials independently

Communication:

  • Students enrolled in AP courses will receive email instructions for registration
  • Exam-only students will receive information via:
    • Grade-level Google Classroom pages
    • School-wide announcements

For questions or to express interest, students should contact their School Counselor or the Director of Counseling as early as the fall.

Deadlines and Costs:

  • Registration Deadline: Refer to the communications for the deadline date, as it can vary year to year. 
  • Late registrations will not be accepted
  • Cost: Approximately $100 per exam
  • Fee Waivers: Available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch

Testing Accommodations:

Requests for testing accommodations are processed through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) system. If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan and currently receives testing accommodations, please confirm with your child’s school counselor that a request has been submitted to and approved by the College Board.

To receive accommodations on College Board exams (PSAT, SAT, and AP), the school must submit a request directly to the College Board. This requires your permission through a signed consent form allowing us to share relevant documentation for review (consent form).

Once submitted:

  • The College Board will review the request
  • A determination will be made
  • Notification will be sent via email to families and the school
  • Processing typically takes 6–7 weeks
  • Approval of accommodations is not guaranteed
  • All information will remain confidential and will not be shared with any institution other than Hastings High School

AP Credit and Transcript Policy:

College Credit: Colleges and universities participating in the AP Program may grant credit and/or placement for scores of 3 or higher.

Transcript Designation: Students must take the AP exam to receive the AP designation on their transcript. If a student does not take the exam:

  • The AP designation will be removed
  • A notification will be sent to their intended college/university

Score Reporting: AP exam scores are not listed on transcripts. Students must send scores directly to colleges through their College Board account.

Additional Resources:

  • Refer to the Hastings High School Program of Studies for current AP offerings and prerequisites
  • Visit the College Board website (https://ap.collegeboard.org/) for:
    • Course descriptions
    • Exam schedules
    • Program details