So I’ve been stressing out over the lack of APs on my transcript and decided to self-study for 3 AP exams by the end of Junior Year to make my application more impressive. Would getting a 4 or 5 on an AP exam be considered the same as taking an AP class? Would studying just from an AP test prep book be suffice to get a 5 on any AP test?
Also, would taking an SAT subject test worth it if I’ve already gotten a decent score on the AP exam on the same subject?
A good grade in an AP class is better than a high score. Taking AP classes will add to your HS course rigor and usually add extra points to your GPA if the college weights these classes. Getting a 4 or 5 on an AP exam may get you college credit at some of the colleges.
Studying from an AP test prep book could help you understand the overall material, but it is not substitute for actually taking the class.
Take SAT subject tests if the college recommends or requires them since AP exam scores are not substitutes for the Subject tests.
Colleges want to see that you challenged yourself based on what your school offered. If you don’t have an AP option, that won’t be held against you. If you do and you don’t take it then do it on your own, it will seem odd.
If you took a class (i.e., Spanish 5) and think that with some self study you could do well on the AP, you can take the exam. The only reason to do this is to get the college credit.
Some schools require SAT 2 tests (2-3), and it often makes sense to take those as well as the AP in some subjects.
A grade in the class shows how well you did on the teacher’s assessments. The grade on the AP shows how well the college board thinks you mastered the material. An A in the class and a score of 3 or less might suggest grade inflation at your school. (This is a score you would not report on the common app, btw.) A B and a 5 might suggest hard grading. Or that you were a lazy student.
I think you could do other things with your time that would be more fulfilling to you personally than study for AP exams. Anything in that category will make you a stronger applicant.