AP Exams

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I know how the acceptance letter says not to slack off and skip your AP exams. However, I am taking AP American Government and AP Human Geography classes this year, but Harvard does not even accept the exams for those classes. Does Harvard really want me to waste my time and money taking those?</p>

2

<p>I've heard from a few sources (prefrosh.net) and someone from my school that got into Harvard two years ago that Harvard rarely rescinds its decisions unless you've committed a crime or cheated on something. Specifically, my contact has a roommate who didn't do much after she got in. That being said, as someone who did get into Harvard, do you really think your conscience is going to let you not overachieve 110%?</p>

3

<p>Don't bother taking those exams if it costs out of pocket. I'm in FL so I gotta take no matter what, since it's paid for by the state, but in your case it doesn't really matter except to ego boost or resume pad etc since you'll need to take same classes at Harvard anyways.</p>

4

<p>i dont think you have to take them, if they ask you about it just say your couldnt pay for them or something.</p>

5

<p>yeah, especially not AP Human Geo, which you only get credit 4 at some obscure state colleges.
i thought they did accept credit for govt</p>

6

<p>Just bite the $160 and take them...it's a small drop in the pond compared to your future tuition...</p>

7

<p>
[quote]
Just bite the $160 and take them...it's a small drop in the pond compared to your future tuition...

[/quote]

I could use that money on more important things, like McDonald's or Chipotle. Seriously, what's the point of taking the AP exams if the school (Harvard) doesn't award credit or placement for them? I learned the stuff in the AP class; the end. Neither subject interested me and I don't plan to go further in those fields. Don't get me wrong, I value knowledge and education very very much. I just don't see how taking these two tests will benefit anybody.</p>

8

<p>Hazhulkhen--yeah i agree, $160 is alot to pay for no reason. (i think it actually would be more than that anyway)</p>

<p>as long as your school doesnt require it, def. dont take them.</p>

9

<p>What about if you are a junior taking a similar exam? Should I still take it (95 bucks for me)? I'm thinking about not doing Computer Science A.</p>

10

<p>Directors Cut, if you didn't get into college yet, you might as well take it:</p>

<p>a) You might want to use the credit elsewhere,
b) Colleges like to see that you've taken the AP exams and scored well.</p>

11

<p>Last year my friend who got into Stanford decided not to take ANY of her 6 scheduled AP tests for the same reason. Stanford didn't seem to care at all, and she even called to clarify. I can't imagine that Harvard would care if you didn't take the test...I really don't think they would rescind their offer becuase you decided not to take the test. After all, you stayed in the class and learned the same material.</p>

12

<p>They should care though. It's absurd that just because you've gotten into college, even if it's a top-of-the-line one like Harvard, that you can just give up on academics altogether your senior year.</p>

<p>In fact, now that you've gotten into a sweet college, you should feel more of a desire to excel academically and expand your intellectual horizons in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.</p>

<p>Honestly, it's like you guys just took hard classes in high school for college admissions purposes only. It's repulsive.</p>

13

<p>
[quote]
Honestly, it's like you guys just took hard classes in high school for college admissions purposes only. It's repulsive.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>And you didn't. . .?</p>

14

<p>
[quote]
In fact, now that you've gotten into a sweet college, you should feel more of a desire to excel academically and expand your intellectual horizons in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.

[/quote]

Yeah, taking the AP Human Geography test "expands my academic horizons in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead". I haven't given up on academics. I just don't see why I should take a test with no benefits. It's like repeating your driver's test after you already have your license to see if you can still drive. It's pointless.</p>

15

<p>Don't take them. No friggin' way. Unless you think you want/need one of the higher AP Scholar awards for something or another. The college doesn't care at all, I think they just meant to point out not to be a total lazy pile of waste your senior year. I think even Harvard, knowing they don't take the test, would ask why the heck you would take it.</p>

16

<p>i agree with evilasiandictator. i see how the tests are pretty useless, but unless you really meant to use the extra time not studying to do something meaningful, u should still take them. plus, there's going to be even more annoying tests and classes in college right?</p>

17

<p>don't do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow</p>