<p>How critical is it for someone to actually take the AP test for the AP classes that they're taking. For example, at my school, as I'm sure many others do the same, you have to pay for certain AP tests. So say that I'm in 6 AP classes: is it highly advisable to take each AP test for acceptance purposes? I know the difficulty of schedule is important to top colleges, but is it the schedule itself in just taking the classes, or is taking the tests that go with them and doing well more or less required as well?</p>
<p>If you are a junior you should take the tests so you can self-report scores on the application. If you are a senior you can decide if you are prepared enough for the test and/or whether your future college will even grant you credit. Our school requires all students to take tests (and they don't pay for them). I'm glad they do it keeps our AP courses honest.</p>
<p>Makes sense. I was just wondering if a college looked unfavorably at a student who maybe did well in an AP course, but didn't take the test vs. somebody who did take the test.</p>
<p>Harvard asks for self-reported AP scores on its supplement to the Common Application. So do several of Harvard's "peer" colleges. </p>
<p>not to invade your thread or anything, but i was wondering if not having taken ap courses might seriously hurt my chances..i took the most advanced courses in my school, which is seriously lacking in academics. there are no ap available, only advanced spanish, advanced english (esl), and pre calc is the most advanced math. do u think this will hurt me too much? or will they see i made the best out of what i had available?
i couldnt take courses elsewhere b/c the nearest public university is almost an hour away, and i cant pay for private courses...</p>
<p>Most schools make it very clear that they want you to take advantage of the opportunities given to you- if your school has no AP course then no college would expect to see a score.</p>
<p>Hi, andy_g, </p>
<p>What have you been doing to achieve beyond the limits of your school environment? I expect that will be a key question when you apply to any highly selective college.</p>
<p>thanks! i will keep that question in mind</p>
<p>Sometimes if there are no AP courses, students take courses at community colleges or take courses on line or during the summer. But in general if you take the hardest courses your school offers you won't be penalized. But if your school's offerings are inadequate you might want to look beyond the school.</p>
<p>What if your school offers honors classes that aren't AP? Is it beneficial to take the exams anyway (assuming you'll do well)? I have all honors classes but no APs, and I'm studying to take 6 exams, but I don't want to seem like I'm obsessed with test scores (I'm really not, I just want to graduate in 3 years to avoid debt).</p>