Skip to main content

Advanced Placement

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

San Marcos High School Advanced Placement Information

San Marcos High School offers 20+ AP courses, from English and Government to Statistics, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Art & Design — all AP Audit–approved as rigorous, college-level classes.

AP EXAM INFORMATION

  • What You Need to Know:

    • Eligibility & Access: This option is strictly for active SMHS students self-studying for an AP exam not on their daily class schedule. Exam-Only status provides test ordering and proctoring only. It does not grant access to SMHS classroom instruction, Canvas courses, teacher prep, or GPA-weighted credit.
    • Join Code Process: Submit the Exam-Only Registration Form first. Mrs. Mazzola will process your request and email a unique "Exam-Only" Join Code to your College Board email. You must log into your College Board account and enter this code to complete Step 2 of registration by October 30, 2026.
    • Hosting Requirement: SMHS will only host an exam if at least two (2) students total register for it, with at least one being an active SMHS student. Unhosted exams will be canceled and fully refunded.
    • Payment Options & Deadlines: Once registered in College Board with your join code, pay electronically online via the WebStore or in person (Cash, Cashier's Check payable to SMUSD, or Fee Waiver) at the Finance Office during AP Class Payment Week. Personal checks and money orders are not accepted. Final payment cutoff is October 30 at 3:00 PM. Unpaid exams will not be ordered.
    • Fee Waivers: Approved SMHS students are eligible for College Board fee waivers. Fee Waivers must be dropped off at the Assistant Principal’s office for signature, picked up the next day, and then brought to the finance office.

     

    Important Links for SMHS Self-Study:

  • What You Need to Know:

    • Eligibility & Hosting Rule: Non-SMHS guest students may test at SMHS subject to space, proctor availability, and our strict hosting rule: At least two (2) students total must take the exam, and at least one must be an actively enrolled SMHS student. If an exam does not meet these criteria, registration will be canceled.
    • Accommodations: Due to facility and proctoring constraints, SMHS cannot host AP exams for non-SMHS guest students requiring College Board SSD accommodations.
    • Join Code Process: Submit the registration form by September 11 at 3:00 PM. Upon processing, Mrs. Mazzola will email your unique Exam-Only Join Code to your College Board email address. You must log into College Board and enter this code immediately (deadline is October 30, 2026).
    • Payment Policy (In-Person Only): Non-SMHS students are NOT eligible for online payments or fee waivers. Non-SMHS exams are $150.00 per exam, payable via Cash or Cashier's Check only (payable to SMUSD). Personal checks and money orders are not accepted.  in the SMHS Finance Office strictly during Amnesty Week (October 26–30, 9:00–11:00 AM & 2:00–3:00 PM). Unpaid exams after October 30 at 3:00 PM will be canceled, and unused exams are non-refundable.

     

    Important Links for Guest Testers:

  • What You Need to Know:

    • Eligibility & Access: You are currently taking an AP course on campus with an SMHS teacher. Your teacher will provide your classroom-specific Join Code during class to grant you access to AP Classroom materials and practice exams.
    • Exam Ordering: Joining the section on AP Classroom registers you for the course, but your AP exam will not be ordered until full payment is received.
    • Payment Options & Deadlines: You may pay electronically online once registered, or pay in person (Cash, Cashier's Check payable to SMUSD, or Fee Waiver) at the Finance Office during AP Class Payment Week. Personal checks and money orders are not accepted. The absolute final cutoff for all payments is October 30 at 3:00 PM.
    • Fee Waivers: Approved SMHS students are eligible for College Board fee waivers. Fee Waivers must be dropped off at the Assistant Principal’s office for signature, picked up the next day, and then brought to the finance office.

     

    Important Links for Enrolled Students: