My school does not offer AP. So I self-studied and took up English Language and Composition and Computer Science A.
I’m an international student so no one at my school even knows that such an exam exists and, well, I was pressured to give it less importance. As a result I ended up studying for it on my transport to school and back home (Of course, I’m happy I did this. I ended up learning a LOT of new things in English especially). This lead me to get only a 3 in both the exams.
Do you think I should send these scores? Or will sending hurt my application? They’ll probably never know that I took the test if I don’t send the scores as it wasn’t mentioned in my transcript or anywhere else in my application.
The scores will not help you. Your story will not help you. Harvard expects its applicants to take the most challenging course load they can handle within the parameters is the HS curriculum. Neither Harvard, not any of its peer schools expects a students to take an AP exam if the HS does not offer AP classes, nor ar they impressed with students who self study exams. I’d omit them.
@skieurope I don’t plan on telling my ‘story’ to any college.I do realize that it may be just an excuse in their eyes. And I didn’t study for AP to impress colleges either. I was just wondering if the scores will help me.
Once admitted, Harvard only gives credit for a score of 5 on an AP exam. So, self-reporting a score of 3 on an AP exam will NOT move your application forward. As you self-studied for the tests and the AP classes will NOT appear on your transcript, you should NOT report the AP scores of 3, as your application will then come across as weaker than most accepted students. When in doubt, always follow @skieurope’s advice, as they are not only a College Confidential Super Moderator, but a Harvard student.