Hey y’all,
I’m a sophomore right now, and I’ll be taking my second AP test this year (I took one as a freshman). I’m thinking of taking several AP tests junior year (AP English III, AP Calc AB, AP Human Geo or AP USH, and probably AP Spanish). However, I don’t know whether I want to take the AP tests for my classes. I predict that I’ll get either an A or high B, so I’m not worried about a low score (Freshman year for AP WH I got a 4). I’m thinking of not taking the tests because in college, especially the higher ranked colleges, they won’t accept AP credits, even if its a 4 or 5. That being said, it seems like a waste of money and the time I spend studying for the AP test(s) can be put to better use elsewhere. I know that colleges will see my high school transcript, so are the tests necessary? Has anyone taken the course, but not the test?
As a sophomore, you have no idea what college will accept you, so your reason for not taking makes no sense.
If you were talking about a test that a large number of colleges do not give credit for (e.g. Human Geography), I would say it’s OK not to take the test. For tests were credit and/or placement is commonplace, the money spent on the AP tests could be a drop in the bucket vs. the cost of a college course.
As a senior, when you know the AP policies of your intended college, by all means, do not take if the college does not give credit.
For the college application process, in not reporting results, the applicant runs the risk of the AO assuming that the applicant was either not motivated enough to take the exam or took the exam and scored a 1.
I’d rather pay $98 for an AP test rather than shelling out a couple thousand dollars (or more) for a class in college that I already know the material for. Honestly, it’s in your best interest to take the AP test, as the colleges may offer credit for that course. Besides, your college of choice will probably change quite a bit over the years (as a high school senior, I speak from experience) and maybe that new college you want to go to does offer credit for the AP test you decided not to take one year. If I were you, I’d just take the test.
Thank you so much for your insights! I had considered what the colleges would think about not seeing the scores, but did not think about the fact that people withhold scores. Perhaps senior year, then 
If money is an issue, you may be able to get help with that, ask your counselor.