I just got my scores (unofficial transcript from my uni) and the majority of my scores were 4’s. I’m really disappointed in myself for not getting mostly 5’s and I feel like I’m not “naturally” smart like everyone in my school. Granted I only studied the day/night before each test, but that’s what people in my school tend to do yet they get 5’s. Each year around AP score release everyone flexes their straight 5’s on insta, and when someone gets any score lower than a 5, especially a 4, they are labeled as “■■■■■■■■” and one of those “fake smart people” who only get A’s because they’re rich and have the money for tutoring. No matter what scores I get on my AP tests I never flex like that, but seeing this “smart kid” culture/competition in my high school sometimes makes me feel like an idiot for not being perfect. People say I should be happy I’m getting tons of college credit for passing but knowing that I’d be labeled a “■■■■■■” in my school does not feel good. Are 4’s considered bad overall? I’m really starting to question my intelligence and I’m convinced that the reason I didn’t get into the honor program at my university is because I’m of average/below average intelligence compared to my peers…
@mrsushi I see 3’s as the meh score, 4’s as good, while 5’s are the best. So think of 4’s as good but not great.
Keep in mind that on some of these exams, the percentage of 5’s are in the 10% range. Few college classes limit the percentage of A’s to 10%.
Also know that users on insta (or this site for that matter) are not a representative subsection of those that took AP exams.
And finally, knowing how to ace a 3 hour test is not a measure of intelligence. Yes, many who get 5’s are intelligent, but some just know how to take the test.
Most colleges give college credit for 4’s (and often 3’s), so no, it’s not bad (I would agree that 3’s are meh, and obviously 5’s are preferrable, but 4’s are solid). I have friends who have gotten 2’s on AP tests, even with studying, and I still consider them to be highly intelligent people. Don’t feel bad at all! A 4 is supposed to be equivalent to receiving a B in the corresponding college class, which is an accomplishment to be proud of as a high schooler.
Personally, I would never trust the judgement or intelligence of someone who thinks it’s acceptable to use the r-word anyway. Plus, given what you mentioned, they’re probably lying about not studying and then using the “rich kid” insults to compensate for their insecurities (think about it, no one “naturally” knows chemistry or world history without studying). There’s probably plenty of people with 4’s, 3’s, 2’s, and yes, even 1’s who aren’t posting on Instagram, and I’m betting you wouldn’t call them names or tell them they’re stupid – so don’t do the same thing to yourself.
Good luck in college and enjoy skipping those gen eds!! 
Why engage with people who use the r-word?
I’ll take the post at face value, but:
- the world is full of people who will tell you that they did no work but aced a test. Most of those people are lying.
- There are many responses to ‘I only studied the night before the test but that’s ok b /c that’s what everybody else said they were doing and it worked out for them’ , and the kindest is ‘if everybody else jumped off a roof would you do it too?’. That approach could lead you down some really destructive paths in college. Wake up your frontal cortex & start thinking for yourself.
- Your use of ‘intelligence’ and ‘■■■■■■’ needs to be re-examined. For a start using ‘■■■■■■’ is likely to go down badly with many of your new classmates. Moreover, intelligence is not binary- it is not something you have or don’t have: it is a continuum, and it is expressed in a lot of ways. Even people with tremendous academic potential (which is just one kind of intelligence) have to apply themselves and study. My guess is that the ‘I just study the night before’ approach you noted above was probably more than a once off…
- There is also something called “social intelligence” which seems to be lacking in your current peer group. I strongly suggest you look for a better peer group when you get to college. Start by looking for people who are supportive of their friends and have an appreciation for the value of work, rather than the reverse.
Not believing the post.
And they had tutors implies they studied. OP admits he started the night before.