If I can’t get above 3?
Yes. Colleges want to see that you at least tried. It will have no effect on admissions decisions whatsoever. You simply won’t get credit for the respective subject.
@FutureDoctor2028 but what if taken before the application?
Do you mean if you took an AP exam before you submitted your application?
You do not have to report anything. However, if you do not, you run the risk of the admissions officer thinking either you were not motivated enough to take the test, or that you took the test and scored a 1. Additionally, I have heard of applicants being contacted by the college to provide the scores. However, as noted above, AP exams carry little to no weight in admissions and are really just used for credit and/or placement.
@skieurope So there is no worth self-study for AP Exams in order to be competitive in admission ?
@FutureDoctor2028 yes
No.
From personal experience, last Spring, I went to an Exploring College Options event, which had reps from Harvard, Stanford, Penn, Duke, and Georgetown. During the Q&A, someone asked, “What do you think of applicants who self-study for additional AP’s over and above the AP classes they take?” One rep responded, “Please don’t do that. We’re not impressed by that.” The other reps all nodded.
If you want to take AP tests to potentially earn college credit, be my guest. However, the scores will not factor into the admissions decision.
@skieurope what if I can get AP awards? Does that make me look better?
It gives you a sense of accomplishment, but I don’t think it moves the needle from a college application perspective.
@skieurope OK. Thanks. Because of studying in a school of 200 students which doesn’t offer so many APs, I was thinking about self-study and taking exams. I have 2 classes and planned to take 2 others…
Wow, that’s strange (@skieurope). Not doubting you, but they always talk about 2 things: course rigor, and going above and beyond whatever your circumstance is. I feel like self-studying AP’s would be both of those things, and thus regarded highly.
(Note: I didn’t self-study AP’s - just my 2 cents.)
As stated before, AP scores has little to no weight in the admission process. Yes, they will consider them to make sure the rigor of your AP course at your school meets the national level, but it is no determining factor. Keep in mind that some students can not afford nor want to spend money on an AP exam, so the admission officer can not determine the reason a person has a bunch of AP courses, but only reported a few.
If you get an AP award because you took 5 AP classes and did well in them, that will be reflected in your transcript. They will see you took challengeing courses and got A’s. Most people are taking APs as seniors so you would already be accepted by then. Talk to your GC about reporting scores (as a Junior i guess?).