Let’s say for example, I get a 1 or 2 on the upcoming AP human exam. I am a freshman. But, I got an A in the class. How would UC schools react to this, and would this automatically kick me out of the list? The reason for not doing well is because of my teacher. They fail to properly/effectively teach us the subject.
So a couple of things.
Don’t worry about what may not happen. Strive for a 5.
AP scores are self-reported on the college applications. If you don’t like the score, don’t report it. Of course, if you have an AP class listed on your transcript and don’t report a score, colleges may think that you got a 1 or a 2, or they may thing that money was an issue. That said, if you do score a 1, it’s better to let them think you scored a 1 than it is to report it, when they will know for sure. Regardless, at the end of the day, depending on the college, AP scores carry little to no weight in the admissions process (and no weight at all for UC’s).
And finally, no college will accept an excuse of “teacher doesn’t teach.” You are responsible for your own learning, both in HS and college. If the teacher is ineffective, it’s your responsibility to look for outside resources (of which there are plenty). Expecting to be spoon-fed will not fly.
Good luck.
UC’s do not consider AP scores in their admission decisions. Doing well in the course itself is more important. As stated by @skieurope, you do not have to report your AP scores on your UC application.
UC’s will only give you 4 units of elective credit for passing the AP exam so it will not allow to skip any college courses anyways.
That’s what textbooks, youtube, open source syllabi, prep books, and lists of standards are for
A in the AP course with a 1 on the AP exam, if that is common among students in the AP course, does not make your high school look good in terms of quality of education.
However, it may be more important to know whether this is common in other AP courses like English, calculus, history, science, foreign language that are more likely to give subject credit and advanced placement in college compared to human geography.
@skieurope @Gumbymom The statement about UCs not considering AP test scores is not true. UCB explicitly states on their website that they look at AP and IB exam scores.
I stand corrected. However, I stand by my statement that the OP should not be concerned about this until at least July when s/he actually gets scores back.
Correction noted @Eeyore123
Everyone encounters teachers who have difficulty teaching or howconveying class content to you. If you have a teacher in a class that is not required and the teacher is a problem, then drop the class. For example, I took a class that I though would be interesting and told the teacher I was dropping the class. But you have the highest grade in the class! Yes, thank you but I must focus on my other classes. Sometimes the class content is yucky but you know you can learn it. Decide what grade you can earn and are willing to live with, and complete the requirements necessary to get there. All classes/grades are not equal. Make decisions about what are required, doable, interesting and make choices. A boring teacher is never an option to you; learning is required, but not entertainment. Even doing well in class and daydreaming are not always incompatible when you pay modest attention in class.