I was wondering if it looks bad to colleges if I take AP Computer Science Principles (the class) without taking the AP exam in May? Most colleges that I am interested in attending do not take AP credit for this class, so it would basically be a waste of money - but I wasn’t sure if colleges still expect me to take the exam? Will they be suspicious as to why I didn’t take it?
If it makes a difference, I am also taking 5 other AP’s this year, and I am planning on taking the exams for all of them.
I suggest that you still take the test since it is a relatively “easier” AP course. I got a 5 last year without much preparation except for 2 practice tests that our teacher gave us and the crash course book for this class.
Another way to look at it-some high schools will not give GPA weighting for AP classes unless you sign up for the exam. If this is not the case, save the money and don’t take the CompSci Principles test as it isn’t considered a rigorous AP.
Most schools do not give credit for the class anyways, so there should not be any suspicion as to why you didn’t take the test.
I think it would be good to take it if you are going for a CS major. Otherwise I wouldn’t worry about it.