International Student taking AP Exams

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I am an International Student who is currently doing 4 A-levels( Maths, Physics, Computing and Economics). I want to increase my chances of getting into Top universities (such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Princeton etc.) and I've been considering doing independent study and taking AP exams along with my A-level exams. My school does not provide AP courses and so I would have to take them separately.However, I was wondering if this would be worth the effort in regards to college admissions? Would it make a considerable difference to colleges reviewing my applications, or would it be negligible? What overall impact would taking these extra exams have? It seems to me like it would be beneficial, but I know very little about this, and if it does not have a big effect, I suppose I'd rather just focus on my A-level subjects and get the best possible grades in them.</p>

<p>And if it does affect, please tell me the right AP exams to choose because currently, I am just planning on doing the tests that complement my A-level subjects so its easier for me.</p>

<p>e.g. AP Calculus, AB & BC, AP Statistics, AP physics 1 & 2, AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics.</p>

<p>Please note that, I am a very high-achieving student and will probably be able to score very high in my tests. Also, I do a lot of good extra-curricular activities so please don't touch on the fact that I need to do good outside of school activities for the above mentioned schools. Just consider this as an 'Academic' Evaluation.</p>

<p>Any advice is greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>The main value in AP exams is placement out of introductory classes and/or credits so you can graduate earlier. (At the uni’s you are talking about, AP is not usually credited.)It is not much of a boost for admissions, the coursework is considered more valuable. No college expects a student to take AP classes or exams when they are not offered at your school. When a kid goes to a rural school with limited opportunity for advancement it can be seen as impressive in that the student is independently studying. You already have A levels so there isn’t any point to AP for you, imo. You will be better served by taking SAT IIs.</p>

3

<p>Oh and in case it isn’t clear, A levels are harder or at least equal to AP.</p>