<p>I've been discussing with my friends recently the results of the AP testing, and how they affect applications. They feel that the AP grades do not matter at all regarding acceptances, while I feel that they have a significant impact. Which is true?</p>
<p>Also, I feel confident that I will get mostly 5s and a couple 4s, but I am worried that I may get a 3 on the Calculus AP exam. Should I leave it out if I get a 3 or lower, or will that just make the readers more suspicious that I did not do well?</p>
<p>Well, AP's aren't required for colleges. So, colleges won't make them a deciding factors.. But the higher you're score is on the exam, the better it looks.</p>
<p>It's not a requirement, but it sure looks good to have lots of 5's. Always do your best. Remember your competing with lots of kids for a small number of spots at more selective colleges</p>
<p>Many colleges have AP score reporting as optional, so you don't actually have to include bad scores. From what I've heard, it seems that scores can help but not hurt.</p>
<p>With Calc in particular (assuming it's BC), most colleges accept a 3 for credit. If you get a score that is accepted for credit at a school, I cannot see how it would hurt you.</p>
<p>Most applicants have a hard time coming up with "academic honors" to list on the common app, so the AP Scholar, AP National Scholar, etc., honors are nice to have. A 3 counts for AP Scholar, if I recall correctly. Not very many colleges ask specifically for AP scores, but it seems they might help if they're very good.</p>