The College Board's Persistence with A.P. Courses and Tests Despite Student Struggles

The College Board has been aggressively promoting the expansion of Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses and tests, particularly among low-income students, as a matter of equity. However, data shows that 60% of A.P. exams taken by low-income students still score too low for college credit, a statistic that has remained unchanged for 20 years. Despite conflicting research, the College Board claims that the A.P. program benefits all students, leading states and districts to fund the tests. The College Board's revenue from A.P. has reached almost $500 million annually, with an estimated $90 million coming from government funding. Critics argue that the grueling, standardized A.P. tests put low-income students at a disadvantage, and other advanced programs may offer better outcomes.