<p>Hey guys, I'm a junior at the moment and I'm currently taking 5 AP classes (Calc AB, Psychology, Biology, Lang and Comp, US History) but I'm thinking about only taking 3 AP tests (Psychology, Lang and Comp, and US History), skipping out on Calc and Bio. </p>
<p>Do you guys think this is okay to do or will it look bad on my college application next year?</p>
<p>I did a search on CC and similar people have questioned the weight of AP tests on college applications, but the majority of the questions had to do about not reporting low scores and how it is frowned upon for cherry-picking and selecting only your best AP scores. Additionally, many said that it would look suspicious if you took an AP class yet had no AP test score to go along with that, implying that you got a low score on the AP test and just chose not to report it.</p>
<p>However, in my case, I just don't want to take the test altogether and I'm worried it would seem as if I failed the AP test and just didn't report the score on my college app, as there is no way to discern between the two.</p>
<p>For previous years, I've taken all the AP tests for all of my AP classes, but due to time constraints (and because of the fact that I don't see much point in taking AP tests other than to look good on the college app), I'm thinking about skipping out on the Calc AB and Biology tests and just taking the 3 tests that I feel I have a best shot at a 5 on.</p>
<p>So should I just take all the AP tests for all my AP classes or will it not make a difference either way?</p>
<p>(Also, deadline to purchase AP tests is next Monday so I would really appreciate swift replies. Thank you!)</p>
<p>Others may disagree, but I see no evidence that AP scores play a significant role in college admissions. Think about it: unlike SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and class rank, AP scores don’t need to be officially reported; the colleges just pretty much take your word for it. No college requires AP scores for admission; none say they’re an important factor in admissions. A few “test-flexible” schools will allow you to submit AP scores in lieu of SAT or ACT scores, but they’re the exception. At most, I think the most selective schools will look at your AP test scores to verify that your HS AP class was sufficiently rigorous, as evidenced by the fact that your grade of A in the class correlates with a 4 or 5 on the AP test. And of course, once you’re admitted they may use the AP score for placement purposes, or they may even give you college credit for some (but at elite colleges not all) of the AP classes you took in HS. But I very much doubt they’ll look askance at your application if you don’t have an AP score for every AP class you took in HS. These tests were not designed as college admissions tests, and most colleges have the good sense not to treat them as if they were.</p>
<p>My D took a few AP classes (not many offered at her school), but didn’t take the exams. The colleges to which she applied don’t give AP credits anyway, so what would be the point of paying $86 per test if you can’t get the credit for it? She took the classes because they were the most rigorous offered, and didn’t decide about taking the tests until the school was asking for the money, and she had researched her chosen colleges’ policies.</p>
<p>You have to also consider that if you score well enough (4/5) there are a lot of schools that will give you credits for those test scores. My daughter had 11 APs in HS and scored 4/5 on all the tests. She is now at the University of Miami and they gave her 38 credits, so she started as a sophomore. Because of this she got to register for classes before all the freshmen, a great help in getting the schedule you want. She is also able to triple major in Marine Science/Biology/Chemistry and graduate in four years.</p>
<p>Those AP tests are worth a lot more than just resume material.</p>
<p>Listen to SVMMom, she’s absolutely right! It’s worth it for the credits what what comes with it–priority registration, sophomore standing, and not having to pay a much more expensive price for those units in college. So if you think you can pass, do it!</p>
<p>There is no harm in taking AP exams except for the $. </p>
<p>My brother got credit for all his 5’s at Miami and I have taken 8 AP exams and am signed up for 6 more and I hope to get credit for most of my 4/5’s when I go to Miami. Regardless, it is a no brainer to take the exams . Hasn’t the deadline passed for signing up for the AP exams? Make sure you check that with your school ASAP.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>PS Bio was a snap but Calc was a nightmare, for me at least.</p>
<p>It truly depends on the score you expect, which depends on past scores. If you expect to do well, then take them.
I’ve asked college counselors at selective schools and they said they don’t care about the scores until you accept their admission.If you do well, it looks great on resumes. Why include the bad if the tests will only help you.
I’m in the same boat. 5 AP classes, and only taking three tests.
Also, many private schools have caps on the number of tests you can transfer. Some state schools do not. Kenyon has 7/6, so does Grinnell, and Wellesley is even stricter. You seem like you would have a fairly solid idea of where you’re applying. Research these schools and their ap credit policy. Then make your desicion.</p>