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As the school year starts to wind down, you might be asking yourself: when are AP exams? In this article, I'll break down everything you need to know about the AP exam schedule, including when they usually take place, the specific schedule for this year, what to do if you find yourself in an AP schedule mishap, and how you can leverage the schedule to best plan your studying.

2021 AP Test Changes Due to COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, AP tests will now be held over three different sessions between May and June. Your test dates, and whether or not your tests will be online or on paper, will depend on your school. To learn more about how all of this is going to work and get the latest information on test dates, AP online review, and what these changes means for you, be sure to check out our 2021 AP COVID-19 FAQ article.

When Are AP Tests Usually?

This is a question with a pretty simple answer. AP exams typically take place during the first two weeks of May (2020 AP exams were pushed to mid-May due to the coronavirus pandemic). Each day of the two-week testing period is divided into two four-hour testing slots, which begin at 8 am and 12 pm, respectively (all times are local times).

There is also a 2 pm time slot in the first week of testing; this is reserved for the Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism test only.

Any make-up tests that need to be offered are normally held Tuesday/Wednesday through Friday the week after all regular testing is completed (so, the third week of May).

When Are AP Tests in 2021?

AP exams for 2021 will take place during the first two weeks of May, specifically from Monday, May 3, 2021, to Friday, May 14, 2021. Make-up testing will take place the following week from Tuesday, May 18, 2021, to Friday, May 21, 2021.

Below is the complete schedule of 2021 AP tests:

Source: The College Board

Below is the 2021 AP schedule for make-up tests. Makeup tests usually run from the following Wednesday through Friday, but because Eid al-Fitr falls on Thursday, May 13, 2021, an additional makeup day has been added on Tuesday, May 18. The same exams held on May 13th will also be held on May 18th for students who can't test on the 13th due to the holiday.

Source: The College Board

So many subjects, so little time.

What If I Have 2 AP Exams at the Exact Same Time?

You probably noticed on the above schedule that there are often two AP exams scheduled for the same time slot. If you have two different exams scheduled for the same time, you'll need to take one of the exams during the late testing period from Tuesday, May 18, 2021, to Friday, May 21.

To make arrangements, you'll need to talk to your school's AP exam coordinator (likely a guidance counselor). You should be able to find out who to talk to by asking someone at your school's main office.

This coordinator will make the arrangements for you to take an AP test on a later date. You should talk to him or her as soon as you realize that there's a conflict in your AP testing schedule, so there will be enough time to order the late test.

You'll get to pick which AP test to take late. Note that when you do test late, you're given an alternate form of the test. Some people think that the late forms are more difficult. It's unclear whether there's any truth to this claim, but if it's something you're worried about, it might be a wiser choice to take the test you're more confident in on the late date.

What If I Have 2 AP Exams on the Same Day but at Different Times?

If you have two AP exams on the same day at different times—so one in the morning, one in the afternoon—you have fewer options. In fact, your only option, if you want to take both tests, is to sit through a whole day of testing. Unfortunately, you can't request late testing just because you have two tests on the same day.

My advice would be to bring water and lots of protein-rich snacks for the breaks to help you keep going! Also, try to stretch your hands whenever you have an opportunity to help mitigate cramping and soreness.

Juggling AP exams is tough, but not as tough as juggling planets.

How to Use the AP Schedule to Plan Your Studying

The AP schedule's main utility in studying is to help you know by when you need to finish studying. As early May approaches, the AP exam schedule will help you prioritize those exams that come earliest when you do final reviews of the material, since you'll have a few extra days to polish up your knowledge for tests during the second week.

The AP Exam Schedule: Key Takeaways

AP exams generally take place each year during the first two weeks of May. See above for the complete schedule for 2021. If you have two exams scheduled at the same time, you are eligible for late testing for one of the exams. Just talk to your school's AP exam coordinator!

Unfortunately, if you have two AP exams on the same day (in other words, one in the morning and one in the afternoon) you aren't eligible for late testing and you'll have to do a full day of testing if you want to take both tests.

In terms of using the AP schedule to organize your studying, you should plan your final reviews of the material for a given exam so that you are reviewing material for your earlier tests sooner since you'll have a little extra time to review for your later tests.

Finally, don't forget to schedule a little relaxation after you finish all your APs!

Once you're finished with AP tests, it's time to go home and take a cat nap.

What's Next?

Getting ready to study for your AP exams? See our five-step AP prep plan for expert tips. Or if you're looking for practice tests, check out our guide to finding the best AP practice tests.

Wondering whether you should be aiming for a perfect AP test score? We've got you covered with our in-depth guide!

If you've got a scheduling issue or emergency, refer to our guide to getting a make-up AP exam.