<p>So, I've seen several places that AP scores don't really affect admissions very much, but I'm still feeling a little nervous. I took several difficult AP's as a junior (I just started senior year), and I'm not terribly pleased with my AP scores, although I don't suppose that they are really "bad." Here they are:</p>
<p>World History 4, US History 5, BC Calculus 5 (AB Subscore: 5), English Language 4, Biology 3</p>
<p>Okay, so it's really the Biology one that I am worried about, particularly because I am applying as a potential Molecular Biology major. I know a three is not horrible, but (even my teacher said) it's really terrible for me. I received an A in the class (UW GPA: 4.0) and a 730 on the MolBio SAT II, so is that more important than an AP score? I'm not really sure I feel that a three reflects my understanding of the content, though. It's more like I was totally burned out by then (not that that's a valid excuse, as I'm sure every AP student was).</p>
<p>Are my AP scores something to worry about? Should I consider taking the Biology test again after another year of studying?</p>
<p>I would REALLY love to hear what everybody has to say on this matter as I am very bummed out right now. Really, I'm not proud of myself at all.</p>
<p>And if it matters, my senior course load includes the following: AP Physics C Mechanics, AP English Literature, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, Multivariate Calculus/Differential Equations, AP French.</p>
<p>Personally, I think that your scores are fine. When you apply, you only self report your scores. They won’t see the official scores until after you matriculate. And a 3 is nothing to worry about. I wouldn’t spend the extra money just to take one test over again. Make sure everything else in your application is up to par; this hiccup (if you would even call it that) won’t be the deciding factor.</p>
<p>A 3 is fine, although I personally would retake it. You’re not going to get college credit for it at Princeton, but it’s not like you would want to use it anyway, right?</p>
<p>I mean, you got into Princeton… Surely you want their introduction course instead of a lousy High School one?</p>
<p>Yes, that’s the struggle I’m having. I don’t feel like it demonstrates my TRUE understanding of the content, which is why I would maybe want to retake it. It’d be nice to also be able to use a 5 on Biology for acceleration credit. Based on my other scores, I already qualify for a semester off of graduation, and if I can get fives on both Physics and French, then I can qualify for an entire year off. Since I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do that (but I AM sure of my biology knowledge), I’m wondering if I should retake it to be safe. I think there’s a good chance that I could get a 5 on that one. Personally, I would love to stay at Princeton for four years (and I would love even more to take this class at Princeton instead of in high school), but I’m not sure I can afford it. My family will only qualify for limited financial aid (I did the calculators for Princeton and Yale), but my parents don’t actually think they can contribute that much, so I’ll have to use plenty of loans. Cutting a year off of graduation would certainly help.</p>
<p>Hm. I suppose that’s something I need to figure out for myself. Thank you for all of your advice, though, everyone! It was very helpful. :)</p>