<p>Hi, I'm currently a sophomore and I'm taking the AP Biology Exam this upcoming May without taking the actual AP Biology course offered at my school. (The reason why I didn't take the course is because of scheduling issues)</p>
<p>My question is: do colleges care about whether or not you take the AP test without taking the course? Especially if I'm interested in majoring in some sort of medical research, will a 5 on the AP bio exam suffice? or do I really need to take the class? </p>
<p>My counselor (who is new, so I don't really trust her that well) believes that colleges will overlook my AP score if I don't have the class on my transcript. Is this true? She suggests taking the course my junior year. My problem is that my junior year schedule is pretty hectic and I don't want to learn all the material again. I would also have to retake the AP Biology exam at the end of next year if I took the class.</p>
<p>Of course if I don't do well on the exam and I drop the score, then I'll probably end up taking the course next year. But if I get a 5, I'm not sure whether or not I should take AP bio next year. </p>
<p>Not really, I think colleges are mainly looking at the score since it's a nationalised test that's relatively fair in comparing what everyone learned.</p>
<p>I started AP testing today and several kids were there taking the test after independently studying.</p>
<p>I don't see why they would look down on getting a high score on the AP Bio test without the class. It still proves that you understand the material, and may be plus on the application (proves you have the discipline required for self studying classes). If you get a 5, I would suggest not taking the class. I mean, you already would know all the material, it seems ridiculous to go through a class you already understand.</p>
<p>If you want to do medical researcher, wouldn't you WANT to take the actual class (even if it has to be in 11th or 12th grade)? Does your school offer a lot more relevant course than that?</p>
<p>I've heard that it is quite a bit more useful to take any and all chemistry classes you can take in HS in terms of being well prepared for pre-med. Kids that know that they're really interested in pre-med at our h.s. take Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and IB Biochem (which is a half-year course) if they can fit it into their schedule. Physics is also a help. It seems that a lot of students go on and take college chemistry even if they've had all of the h.s. courses, but what they learned in high school helps them really do well in the chemistry sequence that is usually a key to getting your college's recc for med school.</p>