<p>I tried to use the weekend to study for Physics C mech exam. I realized that on a sunday evening, I can't go over 3 chapters of the Princeton review in 4 hours and still get enough sleep to stay alive. So I'm going to have to take this test, along with e&m next year in order to get 5's on them.</p>
<p>Here's the thing though. I got 4 and 4 on AP bio and phy my previous years, even though I know I should've gotten 5's. When I apply to a very selective engineering school, they're going to see that and probably reject me (don't say ohhh you never know!!!).</p>
<p>Should I mount up and get 800 on my SAT II physics and chem in august/november?</p>
<p>Also, how much do AP tests really matter during college admission?</p>
<p>4s are still good scores! And note that there is not SAT test offering in August; the earliest is October.</p>
<p>Do a search of these forums; just last week I think there were a few threads discussing the importance of AP scores in admissions.</p>
<p>In terms of whether ED gives you a significant advantage, it depends on the school. If you are a legacy, generally you need to apply early to take advantage of your legacy status. Otherwise, some schools say that kids who apply early are at an advantage, because the school is guaranteed to get those kids (compared to RD where the kids may choose to go somewhere else) Other schools say that ED kids are not giving any kind of advantage, other than finding out decisions earlier in the year.</p>
<p>Usually AP scores are not considered in admissions, so you'll be fine. You don't even have to report them if you don't want to- I didn't bother and I was fine.</p>
<p>If you took a lot of AP classes and don't report any AP test results, they might think your AP classes are jokes rather than real AP classes that cover all of the material on the tests. That might be your ELP teacher's point.</p>
<p>What MidwestMom said, if you took a lot of APs but don't report the scores they may make assumptions. They're not very important in the grand scheme of your application though, your teacher probably told you that so you wouldn't slack off for the test. They are, however, very important for credits and can get you out of annoying core requirements, so you should take them seriously. A good 3 hours can get you out of a painful semester-long natural science requirement.</p>
<p>OP - take those SAT IIs, definitely. They're quite a bit easier, and colleges, at least on the east coast, actively look for them. As for ED, some schools will openly state that they prefer ED applicants because they're bound. Others will mutter mumbo jumbo about how their higher ED acceptance rate is higher because of a stronger pool, not preference. Make of it what you will. Schools that struggle a little more in matriculating students may lean heavier on it. But do NOT apply ED just for that little boost if there are financial considerations and you're not entirely sure you want to go.</p>
<p>Technically, if your AP class doesn't do the AP curriculum, the school can be sued by the College Board. Really. It has to be a real AP class or they aren't allowed to use the name AP. And at my school, the AP classes are the best and the most challenging (why I took them) but you have to pay yourself for the tests- so I couldn't afford many. There's a lot of people that don't take AP tests for many reasons, so it really depends on the school I guess. </p>
<p>If you report or not, 4s are still good so there's really no worry.</p>