I was wondering, how does getting an A or a B in an AP class compare to getting a lower grade in the class and a 4 or 5 on the AP exam? How big of a role do AP exams play in college admissions? I’ve heard some people say colleges take a hard look at them and I’ve heard others say as long as you took and pass the class more then half decent thats all they care about. What’s true? Does anybody know what they really look at?
<p>Like everyhing in this process, it depends on the school. In a recent interview with the Dean of Harvard admissions in the Wash Post, he mentioned that they DO look at the AP test scores, which, when you think about it, makes sense bcos of possible grade inflation of individual HS. Kids applying to the Ivies and other highly selective schools are going to have mostly A's in AP classes, and 4's and 5's in tests, so that is the competition at the level. However, they also factor in the type of AP class. A 'B' in AP Physics or AP Calc is viewed much differently than a 'B' in AP Enviro or AP Stats, the latter of which are only quarter length courses. Other, less selective colleges are happy to see that you challenged yourself in an AP course and took the test.</p>