HCPSS Students Continue to Excel on AP Exams

February 12th, 2019

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) students continue to perform at high levels on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and to outperform their peers around the state and nation.

In 2018, 82 percent of AP exams taken by HCPSS students scored a 3 or higher, compared to 65 percent of exams taken by public school students across Maryland and 57 percent nationwide. Those who earn AP exam scores of 3 or higher may be awarded course credit at many colleges.

Between 2016 and 2018, both the number of HCPSS students taking AP courses and the number of exams taken increased, while performance levels also rose. The percent of high school students taking an AP exam increased from 28.4 to 30.1 percent, and the number of AP exams taken increased from 10,541 to 11,331. Even with a higher number of AP exams taken, the proportion of AP exams with a score of 3 or higher increased from 79.6 to 81.6 percent.

The school system has worked to increase the number of students who participate in at least one AP course during high school. For the Class of 2018, 73.7 percent took at least one AP course and 57.9 percent took at least one AP exam during their high school career.

Read the HCPSS board report, 2018 AP Participation and Performance Results, for more information.