Another AP problem (help me)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Right now, I'm having a pretty huge debate with myself over taking the AP tests in May since I will be eligable to take both the English and the calculus AB AP tests. I have As in both of the classes right now so understanding the material is not my problem (I've got that area completely under control). </p>

<p>My problem deals with the fact that I know that my life will become really painful over the next month and a half with the stress of those tests on my mind. If I take them, I'll have to apply for the extended time because of my vision disability like I did with the ACT (was granted) which is a real hassle. </p>

<p>Also, I already spend a lot of my time doing homework (has been piled on lately, too), volunteering, and taking part in ec's, and if I add studying for the AP tests into the mix, I'm afraid I'll literally go insane since part of the calculus package consists of me going to the Math and Science Center to take a full length practice AP test every Thursday evening and then going over the answers in class later (Seriously, I have one in my bag right now. I guess that's just a perk of going to school there) - which doesn't include the extra studying that I'd have to do on my own. This also doesn't include the time that I'd spend studying for the English test. I guess I just don't want to become a zombie during my last few months in high school (after being a zombie in waiting for college decisions for so long, I'm ready for it all to be over). </p>

<p>Getting college credit is a perk of the AP test, but I'm not so sure it's really worth it in my case. I'm afraid that I'll forget something that I learned when placed into a harder class in college or that they'll expect me to know something that wasn't covered in the AP guidelines. Even if I got a 4 or a 5 on one of those tests (which I think is doable), I don't think I'd tell my college the score. </p>

<p>Right now, I'm leaning towards not taking them. I'm just wondering if my reasoning for doing so makes sense. It'd be nice if someone that works for a university would answer this even though I doubt that that will happen so anybody else is always welcome.</p>

2

<p>reeses, I would recommend you taking both tests. I have no idea what your intended major is but if it's not directly related to English or math, it is always nice to have some elective credits. Even though you are going into one of those fields, the colleges will let you retake the classes if you want to do that. Personally, I don't think you can really study for the English. It is more like a test of your ability than knowledge, if that makes any sense. For calc. however, you will have to review and spend time study for it. After all, you don't lose anything.</p>

3

<p>Check your individual college's credit page. Each school varies widely in what they accept. Some do not give credit for both AP Eng Lan and AP Eng Lit. So if you have a credit in AP Eng Lang already, then you can save yourself the trouble. As for the AB score, again, check the pages of your college site. The AB score only generally places you into the next level, or it will give you one math credit. It just depends on the school, and how many credits they require. </p>

<p>I would say that if you were not going to gain any college credit from the exams then you could skip these tests. After all, they will not impact your admission. You will be long admitted by the time the scores are released in July. If they do give you credit, then you might want to consider taking them so you can put other things in your schedule.</p>

<p>For my kids, one was able to place out of the one required math credit with his BC score. The other will have to take math regardless.</p>