So I’m currently a Junior in HS, and I’m in AP Calc BC. The AP exam is coming up, and right now I’m not doing great in the class. I took some practice tests and all in of them I scored just a 2 or a 1, but my overall grade in the class is a B… So should I take the AP exam? Since I’m a Junior, If I don’t take the exam this year, I can still take it my senior year, but will that look bad on my college application? Will colleges turn me down because I took the class and not the exam?
I have a daughter who skipped one AP test and nothing bad happened. She still got into her top choice with a merit scholarship, and still got AP credit for all of her other AP tests (the ones where she took the test). She did very well on her other AP tests, which I think was helped by the fact that she didn’t need to spend time studying for the one test that she skipped.
If you skip the AP calculus test and are a STEM major, you might need to retake Calculus in university. This IMHO is a good thing, because for a STEM major calculus is very core to a LOT that you will do in the future, and if you are into at least the TEM part of this then you will need to be very solid in calculus (among the sciences how much you need calculus will depend on which science).
No, it will not look bad. If you are not prepared, don’t take the exam next week…take it next year, and make sure you prepare well for it. It might look bad if you retake the class next year, but not if you retake just the AP exam.
Skip the test and if they ask - you are planning to take it Senior year as you needed more time to study. Everyone knows it’s a hard test so that’s fine. Also results don’t come back until July so that way colleges won’t see the score (or know if you took it senior yr) anyway. It will look worse to get a 1/2 then to not take it. Also if Calc is challenging - then u should retake it in college anyway if you’re a STEM major.
It is very important to learn calculus well. Keep studying over senior year, or take in college to improve your learning.
My son had to miss 2 of the 4 AP exams this year. My daughter unexpectedly passed away right before finals and AP exams, and we had a lot of people from other states staying with us during the first week, and second of testing.
This seemed moot compared to what we have gone through. He missed AP Cal AB , but he’s taking BC next year so he figured he will just test then, He also missed Physics. He is very stem qualified, but isn’t planning on a STEM career.
Yesterday I started to panic if this would hurt him, but there really isn’t anything we can do now. He received a 97.7 in Physics and around a 92 (final grades are not posted yet) in Calculus so hoping that’s all that will matter.
Life sometimes throws you a curve ball, and sometimes it completely derails you…
@BTMSC98 That’s true, if they take Calc BC, then the AB exam won’t matter. Don’t worry about the Physics either.He can always explain in the “other information” section.
So sorry about your daughter. ((hugs))
How exactly are you going to be better prepared for the next test? You know that AP scores are self-reported, right? If you do poorly, there’s no downside. It’s the same as if you didn’t take it. You leave it off the common app!
I would say that you should take it. Don’t report the score if it’s not a 4 or 5. With a B, you may do better than you think.
BTMSC98, so very sorry about your daughter. That’s a tragedy no parent should have to experience.
Thank you…I’m heartbroken . Now trying to connect the dots to finish this commitment we made to homeschool.
One day at a time.
I can’t even begin imagine what you’re going through, @BTMSC98. I am so, so very sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for you…I don’t know you, but I will pray for you. Again, you have my deepest, deepest sympathy…
Thank you…I appreciate the prayers.