<p>If you plan on going to an Ivy, or trying to get into an Ivy, or some other school that does not take AP credit, do the tests matter? Do colleges care that much in admissions? After all, you can withold the score if it's bad. Also, isn't it better to retake classes in college since you will learn it better?</p>
<p>AP classes usually are rather shallow in comparison to intro courses at elite colleges; therefore, I intend to take the intro courses instead of being placed out of it with AP Credit. In my opinion, I feel that entering an advanced course with merely AP background is unwise. You will have those that disagree with me however.</p>
<p>Some colleges say that they consider it; however, it does not play a dominant role in comparison to the SAT or ACT.</p>
<p>The depth of AP classes really depends on who's teaching them. Some teachers will push students just as much as college professors, while other just barely cover the basics. For some people, retaking a intro class will be a waste of time, while for others, it is a must. I think the latter is true more so with the science and math tests because college courses at elite universities are more theoritical and proof-based that most high school classes. I'm guessing that getting a 5 on a foreign language or history AP test will be aqeduate for an intermediate level course in the subject.</p>
<p>As for the impact on admissions, I think they do play a role. Not taking AP classes when they are offered will definately hurt you. As for the exams themselves, I would venture a guess that they are used as a benchmark to see whether you can handle college level work. While not taking a few of the exams for your AP classes probably wouldn't be noticed, if you had a curicullum full of AP classes but submitted no AP scores at all, I think it might raise a few eyebrows.... Just my two cents.</p>