The number of Michigan high school students who took Advanced Placement classes in the past two years increased significantly from previous years, as did the number of students who scored successfully on the rigorous exams.

According to data released this month by the College Board, which administers the Advanced Placement program, in the last two years, Advanced Placement participation in Michigan has increased by 12.3%.

In the last two years, the percentage of students getting a score of 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced Placement exams—which means they are qualified, well-qualified, or extremely qualified, scores that often generate college credit—increased by 31 percent.

The total 97,589 AP exams taken by Michigan public school students in 2023 was the highest amount since 2018 (98,409), two years prior to the pandemic. The number of Michigan public school students taking an AP exam increased by 8.9% in 2023 compared to 7.6% nationally.

“With the support, teaching, and encouragement of Michigan educators, Michigan public school students are reaching higher and achieving more,” said State Superintendent Michael Rice.

Michigan had 56,885 public school students take an AP exam in 2023, up from 52,247 in 2022 and 51,064 in 2021. The number of Michigan public school students taking an AP exam increased by 8.9% in 2023 compared to 7.6% nationally.

Rice credits the growth to two things:

First, there was a pent-up demand for AP courses as a result of the pandemic, during which students may not have been able to take the same number of AP courses as they had hoped.

And secondly, a steady promotion emphasized the importance for students to take rigorous coursework in high school to prepare for greater success after graduation.

“We have been drum-beating around rigor,” Rice said. “The fourth goal of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan is rigorous secondary school opportunities for students. We have leaned into this theme.”

Joseph D. Youanes, executive director of Curriculum and Instruction at Royal Oak Schools, points to other factors for the increase in students taking the exams.

“Some of these factors include the competitive college admissions environment, the desire to reduce rising college costs, proactive guidance from educators, a broader focus on college and career readiness, and the potential for scholarship opportunities,” he said. “These factors collectively create a strong motivation for students to engage with the challenging curriculum and demonstrate their academic capabilities through AP exams.”

Michigan’s percentage of AP tests scoring at a 3, 4, or 5 was 65.3%, compared to 64.3% the preceding year, in spite of the fact that 4,638 more students took 9,856 more tests in 2023 than in 2022.

The number of AP courses taken by African American and Hispanic students in Michigan and the number of their exams that scored three or higher also saw gains.

The 2023 participation rate in AP courses for African American students in the state increased 28% compared to an 11.5% increase nationally, while the numbers of African American students who scored a 3, 4, or 5 on their AP exams increased by 38%, compared to a 17% increase nationally.

“We’ve always emphasized academic excellence and college readiness in Oakland County,” Oakland ISD Superintendent Ken Gutman said in a statement. “Ultimately, the rising AP participation rates reflect a shared commitment among students, families, and educators to academic achievement and future success.”

The 2023 participation rate in AP courses for Hispanic students in Michigan increased by 18% compared to 12% nationally, and the numbers of Hispanic students who scored a 3, 4, or 5 on their AP exams increased by 21% compared to 14% nationally.

According to the College Board, there are 38 AP courses offered in seven subject categories. Each course culminates in a standardized college-level assessment exam given in May each year.

Youanes said repetitive testing and long term thinking play a part in the process as well.

“We can also consider that students have greater familiarity with test taking skills and assessment formats, and some current shifts in the test design and cycle have also helped,” he said. “Also, I believe that the increased student motivation and desire for college admission and the potential for earning college credit and saving on future tuition costs are contributing factors for students to perform well.”

The Michigan Department of Education has been proactive in getting students to take the exams.

They send letters in November to families whose students scored well enough on the PSAT to indicate that they showed promise to do well in AP courses. They work with the College Board to identify students in grades 10 or 11 who demonstrate potential to succeed in AP coursework.

Youanes said the proactive strategy by the state has several benefits such as:

— Data-Driven Decision Making: Providing concrete data based on PSAT performance empowers families and students to make more informed decisions about their academic pathways.

• Increased Access and Equity: This proactive outreach can be particularly helpful in reaching students who may not have traditionally considered AP courses, potentially broadening access and promoting equity in advanced academic opportunities.

• Facilitating Academic Planning: Knowing about their potential early on allows students and their counselors to strategically plan their course selections for the following years, ensuring they are on a path to take challenging and rewarding courses.

• Positive Reinforcement: Receiving a letter acknowledging their strong academic performance can be a significant confidence booster for students, motivating them to continue striving for academic excellence.

State funding plays a critical role in expanding AP opportunities for students. In 2024, a total of 34 states and the District of Columbia recognized the importance of providing AP access to students by giving them the financial support they needed, including:

• 7 states fully funded AP Exams for all low-income students.

• 12 states and the District of Columbia fully funded AP Exams for all low-income, public school students.

• 15 states (including Michigan) provided partial funding for AP Exams for low-income students.

“Students should be encouraged to stretch maximally in their education,” Rice said. “We want our children to challenge themselves, with support from educators, and to reach for the highest level of education of which they are capable to prepare for increasingly challenging postsecondary educational and career experiences.”

Between 2014 and 2024, the percentage of U.S. public high school graduates who took an AP exam during high school has increased, as has the percentage of U.S. public high school graduates who scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam.

• 1,239,896 students in the class of 2024 (35.7% of U.S. public high school graduates) took at least 1 AP exam, up from 32.8% of the class of 2014.

• 786,291 students in the class of 2024 (22.6% of U.S. public high school graduates) scored a 3 or higher on at least 1 AP exam, up from 19.9% of the class of 2014.