<p>I am currently a Junior who is interested in studying Biology in University. Next year I plan to take AP Biology; however, I was wondering how much importance is placed on taking the AP exam. My issue is that I want to take one last Biology course in High School before devoting myself to a 4 year degree in University. Other than Freshman Bio, there are no other class options for students to take other than AP. I don't want to enter College with a Biology credit, I would prefer to start from scratch. I just wanted to take a class that would provide me with background information. I wasn't sure if Colleges are expecting you to take the AP test if you take the class. Would it be considered a 'red flag' to a University if you choose to not take the exam?</p>
<p>I doubt it. The tests are expensive and rigorous so unless you’re really knowledgeable on the subject it’s just a waste. I would assume colleges focus more on the fact you took a college-level class and got a good grade. The AP exam is only for assuming college credit.</p>
<p>I’d say take the class to get a feel for the subject. I’ve heard from many bio majors that taking the AP course really really prepped them for the college courses at tough science schools. AP Physics and AP Bio specifically have been known to cover a good amount of the material you’ll learn in the college course so it’s actually beneficial and you’ll have a background feel for it once you’re taking the actual class. Honestly, you might as well take the test to see how you’ve done, and I’m pretty sure you don’t HAVE to skip the class if you get credit for it. Most top schools in fact will give you elective credit rather than bio especially if it’s a requisite for your major! I say take the class DEFINITELY but the test is up to you; by the time you take the test you’ll already have been admitted and probably made your decision. Them seeing the class on your senior schedule is a plus of course. The exam score itself is for you at that point.
I hope I’ve made sense and haven’t rambled on too much!</p>
<p>Take it anyway. Unless the university you plan to attend has some strange policy, you don’t have to accept the AP credit if you get it. If you’re worried about failing it - I would think twice about majoring in biology if you can’t pass the AP Biology test.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your replies, I’ll probably end up taking the AP test because it can’t hurt in the end. Like Ihurtadojr said, I certainly hope some of the universities I’m looking into will accept the credit as an elective!</p>
<p>If your university allows you to skip one or more intro courses with AP credit, then it would be a good idea to review the old final exams of the courses that may be skipped. Then you can make a more informed decision about whether to skip them. (If the courses that may be skipped are not important prerequisites to anything else you will take, then skip them and enjoy extra free electives in their places.)</p>