<p>Hi okay so ive started my application process on the common app and i am at the point where it asks for AP exams. </p>
<p>Let me start with high school, every year i have not been very lucky with my AP teachers due to their first year teaching the course, didn't care about it, or just didn't know the material. </p>
<p>So i started self studying for the tests because i didn't want to end up getting a 1 on everything.
I ended up getting a couple of 3 but i am proud of them, although they don't look good against this websites standards, i really worked hard to get them and considering over 50% of the class got 1s and no one got 5s i feel pretty good.
I am applying to a about 5 top schools because i think i have a lot of leadership, gpa, good amount of rigorous classes, etc.
i am just scared that these 3 won't look good on the app although i really tried for them.
Should i still list them or will it hurt me?</p>
<p>You should be commended for going beyond your weak AP courses to study the material more thoroughly than what your class called for; however, you need to understand that many of us were in those same predicaments (first-year teachers, teachers with lack of knowledge, etc.) and scored 4's and 5's. You will be competing against that same group and the group of students who had excellent AP teachers who prepared them well for their AP exams when you apply to "top schools". Contrary to what many on this site will tell you, a 3 is not bad. A 3 shows that you mastered the material at a basic level. Some colleges and universities will even give you credit for scores of 3 (although I don't know of any top schools that do).</p>
<p>As a general rule of thumb, you should always list an AP score if it is a 3 or higher. Do not list scores of 1 or 2. </p>
<p>What makes Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and Columbia such great fits for you? Tell us what your match schools are (schools you are likely to get into).</p>
<p>What website are you talking about? If you are talking about the automated results from sites, then they are heavily flawed. Why don't you give us your own personal matches and safeties. If you would be willing to breakdown your statistics, we could guide you if you need help figuring out reaches/matches/safeties.</p>
<p>Hey, I'm proud of my 3 on the Physics B exam :] Although I didn't bother self-studying or anything, but I had a first year teacher who really did a terrible job anyway, and thus - 3 makes me proud :D
And, I'd say.. 60% of the people with that teacher got a 1, the other errmm 35% got 2s, then 5ish got 3s lol. But the other 3's studied. Haha.</p>