To increase access to Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) tests for low-income students, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has applied for and received a federal grant.

Any of the following criteria may be used to identify eligible students: 

• The student is eligible for or receiving free or reduced price lunch.
• The student’s family receives assistance under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act.
• The student is eligible to receive medical assistance under the Federal Medicaid program.
• The student is a member of a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level as established by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Actions needed to access assistance for AP test fees: 

• Review and identify all eligible students for free tests.
• Fill in the “Option 1” oval on qualifying students’ AP Exam answer sheets.
• In the Remittance section of the AP Shipping & Remittance form, enter the total number of exams (not students) that qualify for the fee reduction.
• AP Coordinators in Michigan will not collect AP Exam fees from students qualifying for a free exam.
• The College Board will bill the state directly for qualifying AP exam fees.

Actions needed to access assistance for IB test fees:

• Review and identify all eligible students for free tests.
• After payment is sent, IB Coordinators in Michigan can send a copy of all

invoices to Sam Sinicropi at the MDE, 608 West Allegan Street, Post Office Box 30008, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

• The MDE will send reimbursements to each qualifying district.

Please direct any questions to Sam Sinicropi at 517.241.1162 or email to SinicropiS@michigan.gov.