AP，全称Advanced Placement，中文名称为大学预修课程，AP课程是由美大学理事会（the College Board）主持，在高中阶段开设的具有大学水平的课程。AP课程共有38门学科，分为7大类，分别为艺术类、英语类、历史与社会科学类、数学与计算机科学类、自然科学类、世界语言与文学类，以及顶石文凭项目类。AP课程的目的在于，使高中学生提前接触大学课程，完成一些大学的学分课程及考试。AP考试的成绩使用5分制，考生可以获得1，2，3，4或者5分。一般3分或3分以上的成绩可以在大学换取学分，但也有很多特殊的例子，某些大学可能只接受4分或者5分。

AP, full name Advanced Placement, is a program created by the College Board, offering university-level courses to high school students. AP courses have 38 subjects, divided into 7 categories: art, English, history and social sciences, mathematics and computer science, natural sciences, world languages and literature, and Capstone diploma projects. The purpose of AP courses is to enable high school students to get in touch with university courses in advance, and to complete some university credit courses and exams. AP exam scores use a 5-point system, and candidates can get 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 points. Generally, points of 3 or more can be exchanged for credits in universities, but there are many special examples. Some universities may only accept 4 or 5 points.