AP Tests

<p>I have to sign up for AP tests to take this year and I'm not sure which would benefit me most. Last year, I earned a 5 on the Calc BC test and opted not to take the English Lang test. This year I am taking Bio, Physics C, Spanish, English Lit, Stats, and Psych. I would like to major in something physics or math related. Any suggestions? Which ones would be beneficial to take. (PS I'm a senior and have applied, so this would be for placing out of courses if I'm accepted)</p>

<p>I would say just take the ones you think you can achieve a 4 or 5 on. That way you can get some of your GER’s out of the way.</p>

<p>Try taking them all…unless you know for sure you are not going to do well. A score of 3 gets you credit for Spanish @ W&M.</p>

<p>At W&M, AP credit generally exempts students from entry-level classes in the disciplines allowing them to start their classes at a slightly higher course level. We’d certainly advise you taking the science/math AP exams because, should you do well on them, this will allow you a bit more flexiblity in your major/minor with room for more elective classes.</p>

<p>Keep in mind if you do receive credit for a W&M class via an AP exam you cannot take that class here which means if you feel less competant in a particular subject and would want to take that course at W&M, you may want to skip that AP exam.</p>

<p>In the end, while studying for AP exams is not likely high on your list of fun things to do, it cannot hurt you to take any exam as far as your W&M experience goes.</p>

<p>The complete list of credits awarded for AP/IB can be found here: [William</a> & Mary - AP/IB Credit Awards](<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/applicationprocess/standardizedtesting/apibcredit/index.php]William”>http://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/applicationprocess/standardizedtesting/apibcredit/index.php)</p>

<p>And particularly, in the undergraduate course catalog pdf: <a href=“http://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/documents/catalog/2009-2010_UG_Catalog.pdf[/url]”>http://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/documents/catalog/2009-2010_UG_Catalog.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>From there, you can check out each department’s requirements for a degree, here’s the math program: [William</a> & Mary - Undergraduate Program](<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/as/mathematics/undergrad/index.php]William”>Undergraduate Program | William & Mary)</p>

<p>See also: [William</a> & Mary - Advanced Placement](<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/as/mathematics/undergrad/wheretostart/advancedplacement/index.php]William”>Advanced Placement | William & Mary)</p>

<p>Scoring a “5” on your Calc BC course grants you credit for Math 111 and 112.</p>

<p>As for “next”, that’s hard to say - first, it will have to be in a subject where you can get a reasonable score, usually a 4 or 5 - but sometimes a “3”. Foreign languages is usually a good bet, as well as history and English. </p>

<p>But as W&M Admission says, taking tests in your areas of concentration can be very helpful, as science majors very often are doing major/minors, and fitting all the required classes in your areas can be challenging if you don’t get some credits coming in (it can be “challenging” even with such credit.) </p>

<p>So, check the majors/minor core requirements, and see if there are any “100”-level courses you can knock out via AP exam. It’ll make scheduling easier - but as Admission says, with credit granted, you can’t take the course, so make sure you’ll be comfortable skipping/taking any next courses in the series.</p>

<p>Thanks for co-signing Squiddy (a term lots of deans in the office like to use when another colleague agrees with us/helps make our point).</p>

<p>Roddie, are your AP teachers offering practice exams. That might also give you an idea of which ones are your strengths and they might also be able to help advise you as to whether taking a test in your best interests.</p>

<p>The good news is that hopefully you will hear from schools before you have to register for the exam and thus will know each potential college’s policy in enough time to help you make your decisions about AP exams.</p>