How bad exactly does not taking an AP Exam look?

Applying to College
1

<p>So today, I found out that the deadline to register for the AP test was last week, and my teacher never said A THING about it nor were there any announcements (I actually found out from one of my friends). Now if I want to register, I have to pay extra money. It wouldn't be a big deal usually, but I've already been asking my mom for money for various junior year things (ACT prep class, college visits, etc.), and I'm going to France this summer, so that's about $4,000 right there. So I've been thinking about just not taking the exam because of the money reason and I honestly don't think I would get anything above a 3 (and that's being optimistic :/). I really can't tell you a thing I learned this year, and I don't think my writing/analyzing skills have gotten any better. It's not just me; a lot of the people in my class feel the EXACT same way! My teacher just cannot teach! So, should I pay the extra money for the exam or just skip it? Would it look really bad when it's time to start applying to schools? I'm not aiming for any top schools, by the way.</p>

2

<p>I don’t think it will hurt you that much. AP Scores really aren’t that big of a deal in my opinion. Most colleges only require you to self report your scores anyways. I believe that taking the class and doing well in it is just as important. The test will really on help you if you want to get credit anyways.</p>

3

<p>O_o the deadline at your school, or in general? I mean jeez…it hasn’t been mentioned at my school either.</p>

<p>Not that I want to take the tests…</p>

4

<p>There are three reasons for taking the AP exam:

  1. Your HS requires that you take it (but this normally means that they pay for it).
  2. You think you will do well enough on the exam so that you can get credit or placement at the college/university you want to go to.
  3. You want to practice taking a long exam like you might have to take in college.</p>

<p>If none of those reasons hold for you, save your money for something you’d rather spend it on.</p>

5

<p>You may not be able to get AP designation for the course if you do not take the AP exam. It is the case at my kid’s school. Colleges may wonder why you didn’t take the exam if you were taking an AP course. Considering how much money you are already spending on everything else, this extra money is not that much. If you could get good enough score on AP, it may save you money in the long run.</p>