<p>Hi I’m a uk student and we’re currently studying for our GCSEs. I want to start taking AP classes however I’m not sure if the AP was for 15-16 year olds. Because in UK we have to take GCSEs first (2 years) then the A Levels (2 years). </p>
<p>I thought the AP’s were equivalent to A Levels so I want to ask do I need some sort of a previous knowledge to continue to study AP, or does AP include grade 10-11 knowledge, which makes it a four year course?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Anyone can simply sign up for an AP test and take it, regardless of age or whether they are in an AP class (exception: teachers and the like aren’t allowed to take AP exams). I’ve heard of an 8 year old taking (and getting the highest score possible) an AP Calculus test.
However, some of the tests (such as the calculus and physics ones) assume prerequisite mathematics knowledge to understand the subject.</p>
<p>Nope you don’t need any previous knowledge to take an AP class, but for the exam, you do need to study the concepts stated on collegeboard.com</p>
<p>They’re not as hard as A levels. Just treat AP classes as “advanced” versions of the subject course. Honestly, getting 5’s are not hard. Scores are graded from a 1-5 scale 5 being highest. To get a 5 you have to score about a 60%. To get a 4 you have to score about a 50%. 4’s and 5’s are considered exemplary while a 3 is passing. In the US you get college credit generally if you receive a 4 o5 5, and sometimes a 3 depending on the college. About 20% of students get 5’s on the actual AP tests. I think you’ll find the AP tests will seem extremely easy compared to A levels. Most students take AP classes in highschool (grades 9-12) and nope you don’t really need any prerequisites, other than calculus for physics C and some alg/trig for calc.
Good luck.</p>