How bad is a 4 on BC Calculus

I’m a sophomore who self studied BC and I want to major in math. Should I considered my chances at getting into a good math school ( MIT, etc.) to be zero? I feel completely wrecked by that score.

No, do not feel ‘wrecked’ by a 4. AP scores are not major factors in college admissions and a 4 is not bad.

Why did you self study BC?

@KnightOfFaith I too am majoring in math. 4 for BC Calc is not bad at all, especially for a sophomore. If you feel you need to retake it, then do so, but they should consider your age and the fact that it was a self study when viewing it.

For a sophomore who self-studied, I am extremely impressed. I barely survived BC because my teacher literally explained every example for me, and the concepts and the theme of calculus itself is very hard to grasp, much less master, and mastery is shown by a 4. You should be proud. However, you might want to consider retaking it if you don’t get the credits you need.

So wait, I didn’t do that badly?

Being only a sophomore, you may not be plugged into how AP scores are used. They are used for giving college credit or determining placement; not admissions. Many schools will give you credit for a 4 in AP Calc BC. MIT happens not to be one of them. Based on their website, they would use it to place a student in the right math level if the test is taken as a high school senior. All schools post their AP credit policies on their websites.

No, you did quite well.