If took AP and IB classes, but no took AP and IB exams, is it OK?
An AP exam is the culmination of an AP class, as it allows an admissions officer to compare your AP transcript grade to a standardized national exam. The expectation is the students who get an ‘A’ in their AP class should be scoring a 4 or 5 on the exam. Without an AP exam, Admissions doesn’t know and can’t judge how well you did in the AP class as compared to all other students who took the class. It’s the same for IB.
My guess is that a student who takes AP or IB classes, but does not take any of the exams is at a disadvantage. So, no it’s not okay.
In the context of Harvard admissions pool? It’s a serious deficiency if you’ve taken AP classes your junior year but not taken any AP tests – or if you’ve already graduated and have no record of AP tests or IB test scores – compared with the other Harvard applicants.
They will have likely multiple AP top scores which show accomplishment and drive. Your lacking APs will show academic timidity. A mill stone for Harvard admit chances.
Thank you very much!