<p>Hi, I would just have a quick question... how many AP exams do you think that a student whose school does not offer any AP classes should take in order to stand a good chance of getting into a decent college (not necessarily IVY ;)? I am an international student and took 3 AP exams as I sort of thought that it might look good that I showed some initiative and do not have any bigger problems studying in English, but as I was now reading through this forum where it seems everyone takes more than five exams even if self-studied, I got the feeling that acknowledgement of taking only 3 AP exams could actually do more harm than good because it might raise the question why I did not take more of them... What do you think? Would you even bother to report the grades on the application form (I am from the Czech Republic where we do not have any standardized tests; usually we study about ten subjects, but do not have any final exam except for a school leaving exam)?</p>
<p>if AP is not offered at your school then it is fine. Most important in college admissions is getting a good GPA/Class Rank and SAT as well as SAT 2s. The thing with AP is just college credit, if you want it. the only time it will really matter in getting you into a college or not is if you have the same credentials as another applicant. Then usually if he has more APs/AP Classes, then and only then will he get in above you. What my advice to you is to do what is required and do it better than anyone. The reason why colleges look at GPA, SAT, and SAT 2 or even ACT is because they are relatively cheap as compared to APs and still show your mastery of work. Plus, they can be taken many times, so numbers are on your side. One more thing that I had learned from the admissions processes in NYU from my son, is that you should see how many SAT2s a college requires. One last thing, for SAT 2s and APs; you should not just try and take ridiculous amounts of APs. I mean APUSH, really? Take the courses or tests that you are really good in or that you are passionate about doing for the rest of your entire life and do well in them. Colleges will see this, in accordance to what classes you want to take and they will base their decisions fairly. Again do what you love and do it well.</p>
<p>What? It doesn’t matter how you prove to them that you’re smart/special/deserve to be admitted. If you do it through 50 AP’s, then go do 50 AP’s. If you do it by writing 100 research, then do that. If you like writing research papers more, then do that instead. Pick out something that you enjoy + prove that you are smart/special/deserve to be admitted, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be AP’s. </p>
<p>Yes, I’m exagerating =D</p>