Dilemma - Importance of AP Scores

<p>As a junior at a fairly good (but not nationally ranked) parochial high school, I am currently taking AP Biology. Unfortunately, my class has made its way through less than half the course. By the time of the exam, we'll have gotten up through about Chapter 16 of the Campbell book, having covered basic organic/biological chemistry, the functioning of the cell, and most of genetics, but not evolution or ecology. According to the College Board, "Organisms and Populations," the area in which we are most lacking, represents 50% of the AP Exam.</p>

<p>Historically at my school, a 3 for this particular course has been considered a "really good score." Not many people take the exam seriously, since it "doesn't count for anything." (The terrible passivity the guidance department shows is a whole other issue.)</p>

<p>I'm an A- student in Biology. It's not my strongest suit, but I feel like I am decently versed on the material we've covered. My other stats are in good order (3.7-3.8 GPA, 2340/1540 SAT I superscore, top 10% class ranking) for the schools I plan to apply to (Brown, Vandy, UNC, etc.), but I'm worried about the effect that a subpar score might have on my overall prospects.</p>

<p>So:
1) How will a 3 (hopefully a 4) affect my chances?
2) Would it be weird to opt out of sending my score?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>PS I'm doing my best to learn the material on my own time but I'm so busy with other things, it probably won't significantly factor into my score.</p>

<p>i would like to know this as well. i have searched around and the answers that i have gotten vary on both ends.</p>

<p>pretty much at any of the top tier schools, you want to get at least a 4…i don’t think 3s hurt you but they definitely don’t earn credit or help you…</p>

<p>even if you’re the only person to get a 3 on the exam in your school…i don’t think it helps</p>

<p>of course you won’t be rejected because of a 3.</p>