<p>My S attends a small high school with a limited offering of AP classes. He took three AP classes in junior year with scores as
Biology 5
Calculus AB 5
Eng Lang/Comp 3
He is taking four more during his senior year. We wonder that he should send these three scores to the colleges he is applying to. Does the score of 3 hurt his chances for admission? He plans to apply for an engineering major. Thanks.</p>
<p>Although COE is one of the most difficult admits at Cornell (especially for white males), a “3” on the English AP exam isn’t going to hurt his chances. The way I think of test scores at the top schools is that if the scores (SAT I / ACT) the colleges are required to report are lower than their average, they could keep you out. If they like the rest of his application, AP scores wouldn’t be a deciding factor.</p>
<p>AP scores matter less in admissions than they should. But you should submit your scores. I believe it’s been established that AP scores are the best predictor of college performance, at least significantly moreso than the SAT or ACT.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply.</p>
<p>Yes, it is difficult to get into CoE, especially for males. If there is an option not to send all AP scores, we may just send the “5” scores only, since Cornell does not accept any “3” for AP credits. His ACT’s English is 34 and Reading is 31. He will re-take ACT this month to improve Reading score.</p>
<p>I don’t think he needs to “officially” send the AP scores – just self-report them (all) on the Common App. Ask the guidance counselor – they may show up on his transcript as well. I think they only want AP scores sent officially once you are admitted, if you want to use them for credit and/or placement.</p>