<p>I've heard that AP scores aren't important; what is important is the AP class you take. Does that mean colleges don't care about the score; relatively, don't care about what APs you self study?
I'm self studying AP Chem and AP psychology this year, and after hearing that type of information, kind of felt that it wasn't worth it...
I'm planning to self study AP Calc AB and AP physics B b/c I want to major in engineering in college, and I could take AP calc BC and AP Physics C in senior year (I'm a sophomore now). Should I do it? Is it really benifitial??</p>
<p>btw, I know people might state how important Ecs and other stuff are, but just talking about APs, do they have any effects on admissions???</p>
<p>Well, I don't know if this helps, but I'm self-studying for the French Language and French Literature exams. Why? They don't offer an AP French course at my school (only because of lack of students; my French IV/V course might as well be an AP class). I also want to double -major or minor in French and am attempting to get as much credit as possible so I don't kill myself in HS.</p>
<p>Schools will care, yes, but only if you're on the edge. I only think it matters if you get a 4/5 on the exam and you're a junior or lower (because they won't see the scores SR year until after you're accepted). But it counts a lot more to have taken the actual course.</p>
<p>ur wasting ur time if u want to self-study exams to score 5s solely because you think it will help your chances at colleges</p>
<p>self-studying an ap exam is only worth it if you intend to utilize the credit; the course is much more important for college admission (however, if its not offered you wont be penalized)</p>
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ur wasting ur time if u want to self-study exams to score 5s solely because you think it will help your chances at colleges</p>
<p>self-studying an ap exam is only worth it if you intend to utilize the credit; the course is much more important for college admission (however, if its not offered you wont be penalized)
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<p>Idk where you get your info from, but I got my information straight from adcoms from Princeton and Yale. Great AP scores can boost chances to a considerable extent.</p>
<p>really? Wow!! well, my school doesn't offer AP chem and psychology, so I'm self studying this year.
I'm doing AP physcis C and Calc BC in senior year, so I thought I might as well self study for AP physcis B and Calc AB since I want to major in engineering. </p>
<p>so as a conclusion, it would help in some aspects? like to demonstrate my ability in math and science for engineering?? (I will be taking AP eng lit and US history to show my balance too)</p>
<p>APs are a plus, especially if you self study. If you dont believe me, you can read the book "What its takes to get into the Ivy Leagues and other elite colleges" by Chuck Hughes. Or, you can call Princeton and ask for yourself. It shows that you can handle a heavy courseload and self studying shows that you have academic drive and initiative.</p>
<p>"self-studying an ap exam is only worth it if you intend to utilize the credit"</p>
<p>This is not correct, at least for applicants to good schools, which can be pretty restrictive about credit granted. On the other hand, they might well be impressed by the initiative and talent shown. In any case, using AP study to improve your knowledge and skills is important in its own right. If it helps you qualify for high-school or college more advanced courses this is even more true.</p>
<p>It its best, you could have an essay about a passion, illustrated in part by your involvement in the area, including self-study (and maybe a 5 on the AP exam).</p>
<p>I just thought another thing that might make sense for my junior year is to self study AP calc AB to get into calc BC in senior year, as well as self study AP physics B and take AP physcis C. Thanks for all the advices and comments!!</p>
<p>My D's school did not offer AP Chem class. With the help of a supportive teacher, she organized about half of the class (11 kids) into a weekly study group before school (with their teacher) with the sole purpose of supporting their studies for the AP Exam. She passed the exam with a 3. While she received no college credit for the score from the selective school she applied to,(they were lacking the experience they needed in the Lab aspect of the exam) her Chem teacher gave her a great deal of credit when he wrote a great letter of rec to include with her application. </p>
<p>It might be pushing it to call that a hook, but this "self study" (or in D's case GROUP study) became an EC and "leadership" moment at the same time!</p>
<p>I don't think 4s are looked down upon anywhere for admissions purposes. At least a few schools recognize only 5s for certain credit or placement purposes or even give you neither for even a 5.</p>
<p>OK i have a question. I am taking 4 APs and my school if you take 4 AP tests you get your 5th free(I assume it is the same everywhere but whatever) and I am a senior. Should i take a test for the hell of it. It won't hurt me if i do bad because by then I will be in my school. I didn't take AP lang and I don't think there is much studying involved so should i just take it if its free?? I know a 4 or 5 on the lang will give me three credits at Maryland(which i think i will be attending-just got in and its instate) in core english classes while a 3 will give me three credits in an elective. It can't hurt can it even if I get a 1 on any test?</p>
<p>IMO, 4's in easy AP tests like micro/macroeconomics can't help you, but it won't hurt you either. I wouldn't write down anything with a score of 3 on the app. if you're applying to top 15 colleges. at least this is what I think... I may be terribly wrong</p>