<p>Do I HAVE to take a bunch of AP exams for an ivy league? I have been seeing a lot of accepted students with like 8 AP exams</p>
<p>Every college evaluates students in the context of their high school. If your HS offers many AP classes, then all selective colleges (including the Ivies) expect you to take the most rigorous course load available, which would include lots of AP classes and the appropriate AP exams. If, however, your HS doesn’t offer AP classes, then a college doesn’t expect you to have taken any AP classes or the exams. Basically, you need your guidance counselor to complete the Secondary School Report (SSR) saying you took the most demanding course load available at your school, as compared to all other college bound students. See top portion of SSR, page 2: <a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf</a></p>
<p>I am currently taking AP Chem and AP english, i know i am taking the exam for chem but do i have to take it for eng? and also our school offer “ap” us history but its not really ap then should i take the exam? would it look bad if i didn’t take the exam?</p>
<p>If most college bound students at your HS are taking the AP English Exam, and you do not, then it might appear as though other students had a more rigorous course load than you. Talk to your guidance counselor. Ask s/he if they will still give you the “most demanding” rating if you do not take the test. The same with the AP History Exam – if most students are taking the exam and you don’t, will that make you look bad? Only your GC can say for sure because colleges will be comparing you to all other students at your school.</p>