<p>Hi, I'm from Canada. This might sound like a dumb question, but..
Can anyone tell me if AP tests are necessary for getting into
ivies and Berkeley/Northwestern?</p>
<p>Well, I know that there are probably some people who get in to those schools without AP because they have exceptional sat scores or ECs...</p>
<p>but just generally, should i try to study for AP tests? and how many?(average)</p>
<p>i have 8 coarses--not semester, but for the entire year
i'm thinking it might be a little tought to do AP on top of those..
what should i do?</p>
<p>AP or some class that is at that level (i.e. college-level courses) are absolutely essential if you want to go to an Ivy. There is zero chance of getting in without AP or something equivalent (com. college courses, IB, etc.). Lots of them too, preferably.</p>
<p>The advice on this board would be to take 12 - 15 AP exams, self study if you have to, and retake anything less than a 5.</p>
<p>In reality, the number of AP exams you take is irrelevant. You need to present the colleges with a transcript that shows that you took, and succeeded in, challenging coursework, developed interests and leadership skills outside of the classroom, and didn't devote your life to stuffing your transcript so that you can go to HYP or some other school.</p>
<p>An essay that clearly and succinctly describes your passions and how you followed them, and recommendations from teachers and other who know you are far more important to these upper-tier schools than a bunch of 5s that won't get you any credit at these schools.</p>
<p>Pursue your life, both inside and outside school with vigor and passion and you should do well.</p>
<p>@sydyen: It's rather stupid not to take the test after having taken the class. what BigIs means is that you don't need to stuff your app full of AP fives. Do what you're good at and confident about and you should be fine. Of course that applies to more than the APs. </p>
<p>@caela: If you're courses are tough enough, chances are you don't need additional pressures. The thing is you don't choose quantity over quality of vice versa when it comes to colleges, especially the top ones. Most Ivies and other top schools seek candidates that take a whole host of activities (both academic and extracurricular) and do well in most if not all of them. So if you're taking the toughest courseloads in your school, having good relationships with your GCs and tutors and have excellent ECs (lots of kids applying to the Ivies have those mind you), then you shouldn't be worried about a bunch of APs. If you can fit them in comfortably without comprimising the quality of your school-based courses, then by all means.</p>