my personal statement is entirely about my relationship with art, and how I intend to pursue it as a career path.
I got a 3 on the AP Studio Art test, though. It’s a score that doesn’t really sit right with me for a number of reasons - the main being that I don’t see it as a reflection of my skill.
I am taking the class again this year (for personal enjoyment) and will take the test again.
should I not report this initial score on my common app? is that allowed? I feel that the disparity between my average score and the essay that cites art as my reason for happiness is too strange. insight is appreciated; thank you!
I think it might depend on a few things. AP art will appear on your transcript, so naturally, your colleges will wonder where your score is. Most people choose to self report APs if they do well on the test. Sadly, a 3 isn’t great, but I get it. I got a 3 on AP English and that was over 30 years ago. I was so bummed. I majored in Engish, my college never asked why I didn’t put the score on my application, and it never occurred to me to do so, because a 3 wouldn’t get me anything. So, maybe you should just submit without it and hope for,the best. Everyone can have an off day, hopefully you will do well in the next one, and can use it for placement or credit. I assume you will submit a portfolio, which will demonstrate your ability.
@Lindagaf thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!
You are not required to report AP scores so don’t. They’ll see the AP class on your transcript, but they are much more interested in the portfolio you are submitting (I assume you have one), and what your recommenders have to say. Don’t sweat this.
@N’s Mom So are you saying that I shouldn’t report any of my scores? Like an all or nothing kind of thing? Or can I just leave the art score out? Thanks for the reassurance!!
You can just leave art blank.
A counsellor told us this is a hard area to advise, but, if you just leave one blank, they may think nothing of it, especially art, or psych or something like that.
How on earth is studio art tested? Lol!
@HRSMom thanks for the advice!
It’s tested pretty subjectively. The most popular score to hand out is a 3 - I know tons of people who deserved 5s and got a 3. On the flipside, I know a few people who got a 5 who performed pretty poorly by classroom standards.
CB also tends to be careless when handling your art. I got my five pieces back in the mail only to discover that two were torn up and crumpled (one actually looked like a rat bit into it)!
Overall…not a great test experience. And I know a ton of other art kids who’ll agree with me on that. But it’s no use complaining, I guess, what’s done is done, and I might as well retake it.
Specifically because it’s art, I wouldn’t worry. Don’t submit the score, but either way: AP Studio Art is SO subjective. I got a 3, as well, which I chalk up to the reviewers not “getting” my project–which admittedly was a bit obtuse for most Americans under the age of 30 XD (hindsight being 20/20, I was a bit silly and my teacher should have reined me in–I did a photo project about a book heroine I was enamored of XD) Anyway, I don’t think it matters–I adamantly feel you can’t “grade” or “score” good art. It doesn’t work that way! Just follow your passion, and submit a strong portfolio to the schools you’re applying to.
@PicklingOnion , your score is good. You can’t compare that to a 3 in AP.