Are AP test scores important even if the college doesn't give credit for the class?

<p>There is a another thread from those anxiously awaiting AP test scores, and someone posted that they were not too concerned because the colleges they are applying to don't accept the AP credits anyway. This made me wonder, how important are the AP test scores themselves in college admissions?<br>
I have seen people post their AP scores as part of their stats, and it seems colleges look at AP, but are they just looking at the AP classes taken, or is it important to take, and do well on, the tests too?</p>

<p>AP scores generally will only help you. Then again, colleges repeatedly say that AP scores have a miniscule contribution to your application. But don’t be sending them a slew of 1s and 2s.</p>

<p>Some colleges may not give credit for AP scores but may give placement.</p>

<p>There are a handful of colleges, including NYU, that allow an applicant to substitute AP exam scores for the SAT or ACT. My younger daughter was one of those students who did really well on AP tests and subject tests, but struggled with the SAT I. While she did not apply to any of the schools that offer the AP option she would probably have taken it if she had.</p>

<p>@ucbalumnus: you did not answer the question at all. s/he was asking about the use of the scores in admissions.</p>

<p>To answer the question, I have always heard that they count for a very little bit. If you can show that you were able to master tough exams and tough curricula (by sending them a bunch of 4s or, better, 5s) then they can only help you-- but only a little bit.</p>

<p>I remember watching a video someone posted a link to that showed an admissions administrator discussing a couple students’ stats, which were posted on the board behind her.
One student had maybe 3 or 4 AP test scores ( I think they were 5s) listed. In her analysis, the administrator noted that the applicant was a ‘little light’ in the AP’s. </p>

<p>At the time I thought she meant in tests taken, but now I wonder if she just meant in AP courses taken.</p>