Are AP tests worth it if you want to go to Ivies?

[Pancaked]

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That’s a contradiction, my point was clearly that the person with the high AP scores (and the grades, perhaps I wasn’t clear on this?) would have the advantage. You completely rejected this point, and then supported it a few lines later.

It was just unclear. I interpreted your comment as one student aced the exams (presumably with average course grades) while the other student aced the class (presumably with average exam grades). </p>

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Um, last I checked the “performance” in the AP class shows the ability to handle AP material. As you’ve stated, AP tests simply show how well you know the AP material, or in other words, how well you’ve mastered the AP material; oh wait, wasn’t that the point of the class?

I TOTALLY disagree. You’re acting like AP tests are some incredible test of intelligence. You can 5 about half of the AP exams with a month of reading Princeton Review. I’m not saying the scores are worthless, but they just aren’t a big deal. The key to succeeding in college is not being able to read a 200 page review book and score in the top 20% on a fairly simplified standardized test. The key is being able to keep up with coursework, the notes, the studying, the professor’s unique style of teaching, the quizzes, the exams. That’s what makes a successful college student. AP scores do add some credentials to your profile… But the class is significantly more important.</p>

<p>It’s like the grades vs SAT score. Elites could care less about your 2400 if you got crap grades in school. You aren’t a good student. However if you were at the top of your class, getting a 2100 SAT is fine. You’re a good student.</p>

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Colleges do care. Look at LoremIpsum’s son, he clearly received an advantage for his AP scores.

You’re misinterpreting Lorem’s antecdote. The college valued this student’s significant drive for learning outside of school (presumably scheduling conflicts or lack of availability prevented him from taking the courses in school). The school is not saying, “We liked you because you got 5s on some AP exams, and that’s really important to us.” They’re saying “We liked that you didn’t [issue] hold you back and took your education into your own hands by successfully self-studying 4 exams.” </p>

<p>If you’re taking the class already, the exam loses most of its weight. In the absence of the class, the exam is the only way you can judge success.</p>

<p>I’m not going to debate about the money point. Money is NOT the reason why elites set high score standards or do not accept credit. Feel free to maintain your conspiracy theory about forcing kids into introductory classes at elite schools to gain profit, but you have zero evidence. </p>

<p>Some things for you to enjoy:</p>

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A 2004 study of the University of California system found that “the number of Advanced Placement and honors courses taken in high school bears little or no relationship to student’s later performance in college.”

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“AP scores aren’t that important in the admissions process. Having taken AP classes is far more valuable. MIT expects that you’ve taken the higher level courses, if they’re available – especially in math and science.”</p>

<p>Associate Director of Admissions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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“AP exam scores are typically not available to admission committees for any advanced placement coursework taken in the senior year. AP tests are taken in May, and the results become available well beyond the admission decision-making process in the spring. AP test results are important, however, for placement
purposes, and students can obtain college credit and placement for strong AP test results. Carnegie Mellon does pay attention to the quality of a student’s selection of coursework. Advanced coursework – whether it is called AP, honors, or accelerated – does indicate that a student is enrolled in challenging coursework
and proceeding at an accelerated rate.”</p>

<p>Director of Admission
Carnegie Mellon University

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"We prefer AP-level work and accord such work more weight in our evaluation of the curriculum an applicant has chosen. We have to have the decisions made before we receive a lot of the AP scores, so one’s having taken the course is probably more important.</p>

<p>Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

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“This is a good one. There are a lot of misconceptions about a 3 on an AP being a ‘passing’ score and giving college credit. Carefully check each college’s policy, as many grant credit only for scores of 4 and 5. Still, even if you don’t present AP test scores, the fact that you took the challenging class (whether AP, IB, fourth year, or honors) will be noted and rewarded in the review process.”</p>

<p>Dean of Admissions
Lewis & Clark College

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