Background: I go to a not-so-good large public high school, in which I’m currently the Val of my (steadily decreasing) class of 500 kids. I have good standardized test scores, including a 34 ACT and two 700+ subject test scores. I have straight A’s except for 2 Bs in art (believe me, I tried to do well). As a rising junior, I have taken 9 APs.
Problem: Out of these 9 APs, I only have one 5. And to make matters worse, I have four 3s! As a straight A student, this just screams grade inflation, which I agree. There are usually 2 or 3 kids who get As in my AP classes and I score the highest out of my class on the exams, but never-less, it’s still grade inflation.
Question: Should I report all of my scores, especially my 3s? And how negatively does this affect me in terms of elite (~top 30) schools? Most people, including the AP gawd @skieurope say that AP scores have minimal impact, but I’m asking since this obviously points to grade inflation.
There are numerous similar threads with mixed responses across various platforms
You do not have to send AP test scores for admissions.
@NorthernMom61 I know, but to my knowledge, not self-reporting scores on the Common App only creates suspicion…
I don’t know about that specifically, but I think other aspects of your application will be more important. You did pass those AP exams with those 3s. You just might not get college credit for those courses depending on the school. Best to focus on your essays and whatnot.
The vast majority of colleges don’t even consider AP scores for admission. Just grades, scores, etc. AP scores are for possible class credit after admission
@“Erin’s Dad” @NorthernMom61 Thanks for the reassurance
Definitely report your 4s and 5s, maybe report your 3s to show colleges that you never “failed” an AP exam. Take Subject Tests, and score well (ideally 750+) to minimize the appearance of grade inflation. I see that you have two 700+ subject test scores, can you be more specific on which tests and give us the exact scores or tighter score ranges?
Your 34 ACT also helps dispel suspicions of grade inflation.
@yikesyikesyikes
Sorry for the late response.
I have a 790 math 2 and 730 US History.
I have 35s for math/reading/English but a 31 for science.
I honestly don’t want to retake the US History subject test since I crammed a self-study in 3 days and forgot everything, but I will take one more subject test in the fall and aim for a higher score.
You seem to be in good shape honestly(although the additional SAT subject test may help) - are there specific schools within the Top 30 that you think fit you well?
@yikesyikesyikes
Thanks. I’m currently figuring out aspects of colleges that I would prefer (which sounds weird but I was truly clueless just a few days ago). The only preference I have so far is that I don’t want to go to a small school, in terms of enrollment. While I don’t need to be at a huge public university, I will not enjoy a liberal arts college. Everything else is up to grabs (weather, location, sports, etc.), I’m more of a “make the most of what you get” type of person.
The only reason I’m even aiming for a top-30 school is that I want a target school for Wall Street, which I’m pretty set on right now (as naive as that seems).
Thanks for the help.
@deeznuts That’s fine - I am interested in a career in Wall Street as well (among other things). What kind of financial constraints do you have?
@yikesyikesyikes Could you PM me? I don’t wanna say too much on here