Although specific instructions for labeling slides appear in the AP Coordinator's Manual that is sent to schools shortly before the AP Examination period, much of the slide labeling can be done throughout the year, as various works are photographed. The following information must be written on each slide mount:

• The section — either I (for the 3-D portfolio), II or III — in which the slide is being submitted
• The number of the slide within the section
• The dimensions of the work shown in the slide
• The medium (or media) of the work shown
• A dot on the lower left corner of the mount
• For Section III of the 2-D Design portfolio, the principle or problem addressed by the work

Your name and/or the name of the school should not appear on the slide mount.

When placing the slides in the plastic sheets, be sure to insert the slides so that the top of the image is toward the top of the plastic sheet. The writing on the slide mount can be either vertical or horizontal — as long as it's legible, the direction in which it's written is not an issue.

Does my AP # have to be written on each slide?

No, it does not. It’s true that the AP number is useful in the unlikely event that a slide falls out of the slide sheet and needs to be re-united with the rest of the slides. This is rare, and the amount of time and space that it takes to write the AP# so many times led to the decision to stop requiring it. You are, of course, free to put it on each slide if you prefer.

See more Frequently Asked Questions.