I need to sign up for my AP tests by the end of the week, and I’m debating whether to take the AP Chem test or not.
- How important are high AP test scores for college admissions? Do they matter for anything other than credit?
- Would it look bad if I took the AP class, but not the test?
- Is it better to take the test and receive a potentially low score OR to not take the test even though I took the class?
The reason I’m debating taking the test is because my teacher has a very low passing average for her AP chem class. Last year, only three of twenty passed the exam, and those three people all scored threes (which I’ve heard a good number of colleges don’t accept).
Also, science isn’t exactly my strong suit. I’m definitely wouldn’t be as prepared for the AP chem exam as my other AP classes as I tend to focus on math and English more. I have an A in AP chem, but I don’t believe that’s indicative of my knowledge or confidence in the subject.
However, college credit would be nice, of course. I just don’t think I have that great of a shot.
SO… I want to know whether I should give it a shot and spend the $92 (and add extra stress to my AP testing weeks) or not. If I do take it, I’d like to know how big of an impact a score has on admissions. If I don’t, I’d like to know if colleges would see that as bad.
Thank you!
This is tough. Apparently Harvard did a study that showed that good scores on AP tests are an indicator of college success. I have seen many senior posters here say that AP test scores aren’t given that much consideration, but good test scores are better than low ones, or none. If you are getting a good grade in the class, and test poorly on the actual test, that fits with what you say about the bad teaching. There definitely are teachers who prep kids badly for the test. In your shoes, I would get a couple of good study guides (5 steps to a 5 series seem to be good, as do Crash Course) and I would study really hard to get a good grade on the test.
There is so point submitting anything other than 4 or 5, except for Foreign Lang, as some colleges will accept 3 for credit or placement. I say study hard and hopefully get a 4 or 5. The most important thing you can do apart from that is get a good grade in the class. I definitely don’t think you would be denied anywhere just for not submitting a score for an AP. Some kids can’t afford to take the tests, which is probably another reason why they apparently don’t hold that much importance.
I think that taking the AP class shows that you’re seeking out rigorous courses, and taking (and doing well on) the AP test shows that you’re ready for college level work. I don’t know what admissions officers do with that information, or how much it weighs into the decision.
A series of strong AP scores should strengthen an application but the lack of an AP score should not count against you. I don’t remember if the Common Application has a specific field where you are expected to enter your AP scores or not. The value of AP tests really has more to do with giving you freedom when in college. D had 11 passing AP test scores and her college accepted enough of them that she can double major and have a minor as well. If she had gone to a flagship public university, she probably could have finished college in 3 years. What’s that worth - about $30K for in-state and $60K for a private university
I pretty much agree with MB. It depends on the level of college and your potential major. These scores are part of your performance picture, to adcoms. Not reporting can be noticed, of course. What the registrar allows is a different matter.
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Ok, looks like OP is thinking humanites and has other AP this year- and an A grade in this chem class and is just worried about the AP test. I think you can skip the test or try it and make the reporting decision later, if it comes in less than 3.
AP test scores are generally not used for admissions. High scores can give you credit for classes at many schools.