<p>I am an international student studying at a school that offers neither APs nor IB. However, since I thought I would have to compete against the general group of students (who will have taken AP courses), I took the initiative to self study 4 courses and scored all 5s.</p>
<p>After browsing CC for a bit, I have noticed that many posters say AP scores matter relatively little in college admissions, and that only taking the courses count. </p>
<p>My question is:</p>
<p>For a student whose school offers no APs, doesn't it look good if he/she self studied APs? Would it really show nothing at all?</p>
<p>The reason why the CC consensus on AP scores is such is because in college admissions AP scores are self reported -no American schools that I know of require AP score reports for admission. Thus a student could easily lie or misrepresent their AP testing history on their application -withholding or slightly altering scores. That’s not to say that your four 5s won’t help your application. As an international student they may even show some measure of dedication. However don’t expect them to make a huge difference.
Out of curiosity which AP tests did you self study for? (some AP tests are considered more rigorous than ohers and may be looked upon more favorably)
If your international school doesn’t offer AP or IB which system do they use? Do you eventually have to take some kind of board exam after your 12th grade? </p>
<p>@saif235 AP European History, AP World History, AP Comparative Government, AP US History this year, AP Human Geography and AP Psychology last year. I am planning to do AP Econ, AP Eng Lang, and AP Lit next year. </p>
<p>Our school just has regular courses. For example, socials 9, 10, 11, then History 12. Math 9, 10, 11, then 12. English 9, 10, 11, then 12. No honours or anything (except Math). Some schools here do have IB or AP, but most do not! </p>
<p>The only standardized tests we have are for Math 10, Science 10, English 10, Socials 11, and English 12. No standardized tests otherwise, and it also varies by province. Universities here are pretty easy to get into as long as you have a certain average. </p>
<p>Since your school doesn’t offer AP classes, scoring 5’s in all self studied subjects would definitely make your application stronger since it shows both your dedication and general knowledge level. DO report them (indicating “self studied/not offered at school”.)</p>
<p>Most definitely put them on your application. All 5’s is pretty damn good and just like MYOS1634 said, indicate that it was “self studied/not offered at school” You’ll probably get some plus for that it shows you’re a dedicated student and hard worker</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses! It’s a relief to know that hardwork pays off.</p>
<p>For anyone who’s thinking of self studying APs: definitely do it. It’s honestly not that hard as some people say it is – just requires a certain degree of determination and sacrifice. I will list the books I used for each subject below. @mk1801 </p>
<p>AP Psychology: Princeton’s Review (meh). I heard Barrons was better.
AP Human Geography: Barron’s (so horrible). Definitely don’t use this book.
AP European History: Princeton’s Review (very comprehensive) and Crash Course (excellent for last minute cramming). Would not recommend any other combo!
AP World History: Princeton’s Review (barely read it through) and SAT II Barron’s (very good but also gruelling). I think Princeton’s Review is enough.
AP Comparative Government: Ethel Woods! This book is perfect.
AP US History: Barron’s and AMSCO. Pretty good combo.</p>
<p>International students are not expected to take or submit AP exams, really, especially if your national curriculum/school curriculum is up to par or even more comprehensive than AP tests.</p>
<p>@international95 Depends on the applicant pool you are competing with. If students from my school all take the initiative to study for AP exams, and I don’t, then it can only be detrimental to my application.</p>
<p>But yes, technically international students don’t need AP exams!</p>