<p>I have only a fuzzy idea of the general schedule for college apps but most people have already been accepted to a college by May, right?</p>
<br>
<p>.<</p>
<br>
<p>The whole point of AP's is to get college credit.</p>
<p>yes but you can get credit without taking the exam with just the class can't you? </p>
<p>(I'm sorry if I'm ignorant :D)</p>
<p>Not usually.</p>
<p>Some high school classes can earn you a college credit through arrangement with a local university. But in most cases, simply having the class on your transcript does not by itself award you a college credit.</p>
<p>You might, depending on the college and the system worked out, be able to challenge the course by taking an examination there. But that seems to defeat the whole purpose of not taking the AP Exams.</p>
<p>Also, even if you don't get specific credit for a class, having the AP credit can help. Many places give you general credit, which means you still have to take the classes, but class standing is increased so you get first dibs on classes.</p>
<p>Some schools kinda require students to take the AP test after the class.</p>
<p>I know that at my school it is highly encouraged. But not exactly mandatory.</p>
<p>It helps the academic reputation of the high school for the students to do well in the AP exams.</p>
<p>Do colleges know you didnt take some AP tests?</p>
<p>Colleges might not know whether you didn't take the AP tests or not. But if you have the class on your transcript, and are not reporting the scores for one reason or another, that would be my assumption.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I guess might as well get my year's worth and give up a couple afternoons. :]</p>
<p>At my school if you don't take the class they don't give you credit.</p>
<p>It's about the credits, mostly.</p>
<p>IF you look inside various college websites, you will usually find a chart or policy identifying the AP score that is equivalent to a particular college class. For example, AP Calc a/b score 5 may allow you to skip Mat109, MAT240 and 241. But a score of 3 may only get you out of MAT 109 and MAT240. </p>
<p>A lot of higher level engineering schools are rearranging their curriculum assuming that you have 4s and 5s on Calc, CHem and Physics C. If your scores from senior year don't make the grade, they may withdraw admission.</p>
<p>Olin has stopped teaching AP level material. Webb Institute never did.</p>
<p>Junior Year AP scores are hugely important in getting into competitive schools. To not take the exam makes you look like a quitter.</p>
<p>Also, AP credit that you may earn and not need at this time might come in handy later if you change majors or other pre-requisites come up. It's always better to have more options open.</p>
<p>The number of people who transfer colleges after a year or two, who might being able to take the AP credits that their original school wouldn't take, is significant as well.</p>