<p>I have a question about AP tests for my son, a junior. He took the AP Bio and AP World History tests last year and got a 2 in one of them and a 3 in the other (can't remember which). I am thinking those scores are so low that he shouldn't even report them when he applies to colleges next year. Now he is taking AP US History, and plans to take that test. If he doesn't do well, again, maybe we shouldn't report any of his AP results, but if he does do well, then my understanding is he would have to report all his results or none at all. Would it be preferable to not even take the AP US History test in this case? He has been working hard in the class and has an A. His weighted GPA is 4.5 this year, and 4.0 overall. He is hoping to apply to some UCs (probably Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz), and some private liberal arts colleges. I don't know if any of this matters to the colleges, but I'm wondering if someone out there has some sense of the strategy of these things...</p>
<p>AP scores are self reported. Students only send official scores to the school they enroll in. As such, it is really up to you which scores you choose to report. I am not familiar with the UCs however.</p>
<p>However, when they see on his transcript and/or self reporting course work he will see that he took some AP classes and reported no scores. That could be an issue.</p>
<p>My school sends my AP scores along with my transcripts, so I would check with your kid’s school on that</p>
<p>I would report the 3 but not the 2. Honestly, I highly doubt they will stress out over not having ONE AP score reported considering the whole thing is optional.</p>
<p>Not every school requires you to take the exam when you take the course. At some (most?) schools, you have to pay to take them, so of course they are optional.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input, folks!</p>