How do I cancel an AP exam before taking it?

So, I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew with my APs this year. What's the procedure to cancel an AP exam before I take it? Can I get a refund, and will it show on my record somewhere that I backed out?

I totally understand feeling overwhelmed with too many AP courses, and it's good that you're looking at your options. To cancel an AP exam, you need to get in touch with your school's AP Coordinator. They're the ones who handle the ordering and administration of the exams and they can inform you about your school's specific policy on cancelling exams.

In general, the AP exam can be canceled before the test with no record of the cancellation on your transcript or AP score report. The College Board does not refund the full cost of the exam, but you may be entitled to a partial refund, depending on your school's policy. For the 2023 exams, for instance, the College Board's policy states that a $40 unused exam fee might be withheld from the refund.

Be sure to reach out to your coordinator as soon as possible, because there may be deadlines for when cancellations must be made. Also, consider discussing your concerns with your teacher or a counselor to see if there might be other ways to manage your workload and still take the exam. Some students benefit from extra one-on-one study sessions, for example. But if you're sure cancelling is the way to go, the sooner you act, the better. Last thing - make sure to get any details about the cancellation and refund in writing, so there are no misunderstandings later on.