Can You Take AP Classes Over the Summer?

The short answer is yes, you can take AP classes over the summer. Most high schools do not offer summer AP classes. If you want to take AP classes during your summer break and your school doesn’t offer them, you have other options. 

Your summer AP options are online schools, colleges, or homeschool providers. These options offer flexibility to keep learning while still enjoying your summer break.

Summer AP courses work a little differently from traditional classroom settings. That just means you'll need to plan ahead and register for the official AP exam separately.

Why Take AP Classes in the Summer?

Taking AP classes over the summer can be a great strategic move for motivated students. Here are the main reasons students choose to take AP classes in the summer months.

• Free up your schedule for next school year. By completing an AP course during the summer, you create more space in your upcoming school year. You can take subjects you like, or reduce your overall workload during the academic year.

• Access courses your school doesn't offer. Many schools have limited AP offerings for various reasons, like staffing or resources. Summer AP programs let you explore subjects like AP Environmental Science (opens in a new tab), AP Latin, or AP Computer Science A, even if your school doesn't offer them.

• Demonstrate academic initiative to universities. Summer AP classes show college admissions officers that you're serious about education. It demonstrates that you're willing to go above and beyond the standard requirements.

• Get a head start on AP exam preparation. If you're planning to self-study for an AP exam anyway, a summer course can give you the foundation you need. This is especially helpful for challenging subjects, like AP Chemistry or AP Calculus.

Where to Take AP Classes Over the Summer

Online AP Course Providers

Several online schools and private institutions offer official AP courses during the summer months. Here are a few of the most popular options.

• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (opens in a new tab) (CTY). Offers rigorous online AP courses with experienced instructors

• Stanford Online High School. (opens in a new tab) Provides high-quality AP courses with interactive elements.

• UC Scout (opens in a new tab). (opens in a new tab) The University of California's online platform offers AP courses.

• Apex Learning (opens in a new tab). Specializes in online education with flexible scheduling options.

Important: Make sure any provider you choose is accredited and College Board-approved if you want the course to count formally on your transcript. You can verify a school’s accreditation through the College Board Course Ledger (opens in a new tab).

Summer College Programs for Secondary School Students

Many universities offer summer programs specifically designed for secondary school students. These might cover AP-equivalent content, but aren't always officially recognized as AP courses.

Summer programs can still be valuable for learning and preparing for university studies. However, you'll still need to register for the official AP exam separately if you want the formal qualification.

Independent Study + Self-Preparation

If formal courses aren't available or don't fit your budget, you can create your own summer AP study plan. This approach requires a lot of self-discipline, but is also very flexible.

You can use resources like AP textbooks, review guides, and AP Classroom materials (if you can get a join code from a school). Many students successfully use this method to prepare for AP exams.

Pros and Cons of Taking Summer AP Classes

Pros

Flexible scheduling works around your summer plans. Unlike the rigid school day, summer courses often let you study when it suits you best. This is perfect if you have family holidays or part-time work commitments.

Learn at your own pace. Online courses typically allow you to speed up through topics you get quickly, or spend extra time on concepts you find more challenging. This personalized approach can give you time to get a better understanding of difficult topics. 

Stand out academically. Taking summer AP classes shows that you are really motivated and dedicated to getting an education. This can add to your university applications and show you're serious about learning.

AP Course Choices. High schools offer a variety of AP courses, but if your school doesn’t carry one you need, you can pick it up in the summer.

Fewer Distractions. Without regular schoolwork and schedules, summer can be a great time to focus on an AP class.

Cons

Faster pace. Summer courses cram a full year's worth of content into just a few weeks. Even though it can be a little intense, if you go in prepared and focused, it’s doable.

Less support from teachers. Online instructors are sometimes less accessible than regular classroom teachers. 

Self-Registration. Most summer programs don't handle exam registration for you. Your AP coordinator may need to help you schedule your AP exam. You can also use the College Board Ledger (opens in a new tab) to find a school near you that will help you register.

Is a Summer AP Class Right for You?

Before committing to a summer AP course, honestly assess whether the learning style fits you.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Can you stay motivated without a structured school day? Summer AP courses will require you to be self-disciplined.  You won't have daily reminders, a general schedule, or peer pressure to help keep you on track.

Are you comfortable learning independently or online? Online learning is a very different environment than a school setting. It can take a little time to get used to a new way to study. Make sure you are comfortable studying on your own.

Do you have time alongside other summer commitments? Consider your holiday plans, summer jobs, and other activities. AP courses will require you to invest some time in them to succeed.

Will you have access to practical requirements? Science APs often need laboratory work. Make sure you have access to a lab or facility that will help you meet these requirements.

How to Register for the AP Exam Separately

If your summer course doesn't include exam registration, you'll need to do it yourself. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step-by-Step:

1. Find a local school that administers AP exams. Contact secondary schools in your area to ask if they will take external candidates for AP testing. You can also find local school that offers AP courses using the College Board Ledge (opens in a new tab)r.
   

2. Reach out to their AP Coordinator by October. Don't wait until the last minute. The College Board typically sets registration deadlines in the fall. Contact schools early to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. Schools often have their own deadlines and policies to consider, too.
   

3. Pay exam fees and obtain your AP ID. You will need to pay your exam fees through the school, then they will provide you with a Join Code. Once the school provides you with a Join Code, log in to the College Board’s My AP website (opens in a new tab). 

4. Use your Join Code to access AP Classroom materials. Once registered, you'll get access to official College Board resources that support your exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AP credit from a summer course?

Yes, if the course is accredited, and you pass the official AP exam in May. The credit comes from your exam score, not just completing the course.

Are summer AP classes harder or easier?

Summer AP classes cover the same content as year-long courses. The challenge is that you need to cover this material in a shorter timeframe. Having to do the class in a shorter time makes it more intense rather than harder. Your success depends on being prepared, organized, and focused.

Will universities care if I took an AP course over the summer?

Universities care more about your AP exam scores than when or how you took the course. Admissions officials take a holistic view of your achievements, and taking AP courses in the summer can show initiative and commitment to your education.

Can I take multiple AP classes in one summer?

You can take more than one AP class in the summer. However, this isn’t recommended for most students. Remember, the coursework is condensed into just a few weeks instead of a full semester. That will require more time and effort. Taking more AP courses could affect your performance. 

How do I know if a summer course is College Board-approved?

Check the College Board's official course audit database (opens in a new tab). Approved courses will be listed with their authorization details. When in doubt, you can contact the College Board directly.

Final Thoughts

Taking AP classes over the summer can be a smart choice if you’re motivated and want to get ahead in school.

The key is planning ahead. Pick a reliable course provider and make sure you know how to register for the exam early.

With good resources, self-discipline, and preparation, summer APs can give you an academic edge. They can free up space in your school schedule, let you explore more subjects, and show colleges how committed you are to learning.

Just keep in mind that summer APs take more independence than regular classes. If you’re ready for that challenge, they could be the perfect way to boost your academic profile.

Save My Exams offers AP revision resources to help you ace your tests. You’ll find past papers, revision notes and exam-style questions, all written by teachers and examiners, and matched precisely to your syllabus. On average, students report improving by two grades after using our resources. 

Resources

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (opens in a new tab)

Stanford Online High School (opens in a new tab)

UC Scout (opens in a new tab)

Apex Learning (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab)

College Board My Ap Login (opens in a new tab)

College Board Course Audit Database (opens in a new tab)