Is it fine not to take the test?

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

I am a senior in a early college high school with over forty college credits. I am in A.P Biology, but is it fine that I won’t take the test in May? Or is it mandatory to take the test if I take the class?

2

Why don’t you ask your teacher?

3

I don’t want to not seem like a not devoted student.

4

It’s totally fine to opt out.

5

Unless you are intending on majoring in some science field, it would be fine to opt out.

6

I think it’s fine not to take the test if you have no interest in Biology. However, I feel you should attempt the AP Test, because even if you get a 3 or 4 that will prove the validity of the class you took rather than you just choosing to opt out the test.

7

Ask the teacher if it is a requirement for all students enrolled in the class to sign up for the AP exam. You may be able to check the syllabus, the school website or the AP exam signup page for your school. You will not look like a slacker if you ask your teacher in person. Anyway, it is recommended to take the AP exam because you can choose to cancel your scores so that colleges will not see them. This too is not shameful. :slight_smile: Additionally, I would sign up for the exam now to please your teacher. By the time your score for the exam is released, you will be out of the class and your teacher will not be able to dislike you for not studying or doing well on the exam. And again, it is not mandatory to report your AP score to colleges.

8

Mandatory by whom? Your teacher or school? Only you can answer that (ask the teacher). By the College Board? No, though I’m sure they’d like you to spend the money. By colleges? The only one that will care is the college you will be attending. And even that is probably not a big deal. If they are not going to give you credit, then there really isn’t any point in taking the test. My S didn’t take a single test at the end of his senior year because none of they would have gotten him any credit at college (and he had taken 5 AP classes that year).

(By the way, your teacher may WANT you to take it especially if you are a top student because that will help their numbers, but it probably isn’t a requirement.)