Hi all, I am a rising sophomore and I took 2 AP classes and got As in both of them throughout the year. I took AP Human Geography online, and it was challenging, but interesting and I learnt a lot. As a result, I got a 4, and I accept that. However, I didn’t dedicate so much time to it because of my other AP, AP Biology. I know many of you will say that I might change my major in college or even in high school, but I’m positive I want to major in Neuroscience or something of that sort because my interest lies solely within the brain, but I do enjoy learning about the body too. I thought the class was rigorous, I dedicated a lot of time to it, and read the AP prep books like a bible. However, I only got a 3. A 3 is good, it is passing. But for me, it’s a crashing blow. It shows and tells me that I didn’t work hard enough-- and this mindset is annoying me! I know it might hurt if I retake it and cancel the score, I’ve read that countless times. I’m not specific to any school, but I’m aiming for fairly top ranked colleges. I’m taking a lot of APs for sophomore year, and I think I’ll take one away (AP Art Drawing, it’s no problem) so I can focus on studying on AP Bio retake. I sincerely hope I can get a 5. Can you tell me how much weight AP scores carry for college admissions decisions? Is my decision bad? I will most likely retake it and my way of thinking has changed-- I’m going to study really hard since the course rigor at my school isn’t that rigorous at all apparently. I will work hard. Thank you.
EDIT: To add, it seems I’m terrible with tests in general, and I’ll work on that since it’s important. On the AP Bio test, I didn’t even get to the grid in questions at all, christmas tree’d 5-6 questions, and for sure got a few FRQs wrong due to a silly mistake. I feel like those really made a huge difference and if I had really analyzed the questions, I would have done better. Thanks again.
If you want to retake it for yourself that’s fine I guess, take advantage of practice tests so you can time yourself better bc you’re right that the rushed FRQs and skipped grid ins contributed to your score. But PLEASE do not take it if you think colleges will care. You passed but even if your score was a 1 or 2 I highly doubt colleges would care bc AP scores will not make or break your acceptance. My sister is at Stanford rn and she had pretty good scores across the board but definitely not all 5s and she failed physics and chemistry with 1 on both. She was still accepted to a top caliber school in a STEM major. You getting a 3 in bio (which is great) will not and should not stop you from majoring in neuroscience. It’s up to you but I wouldn’t stress too much about this and my recommendation is to study again and take the SAT subject test in bio instead of retaking the AP test
@katiaxo Yeah, I’m planning on taking the SAT Bio M for sure, but I’m just disappointed in myself and I want to retake it since I regret foolish mistakes, I feel like the outcome would have been different had I not underestimated myself and the class. I want to retake the exam, I am going to stay positive and I will work super duper hard. Thanks for responding, your response was so nice!
Colleges don’t put that much emphasis on AP scores, but if you are aiming for a top tier college then it might be in your best interest to retake the exam. I would aim for a 4 or above, especially since the subject related to what you want to major in. I’m not sure if you intend to retake the class, but I advice you should just study on your own. That said, dropping AP art will help as that’s more time for you to devote to studying biology.
@Meteoric Thank you! Yes, I am not retaking the class, I feel like as my first AP class, I thought that the class was going to be enough to prepare me for the exam. I suppose not… However, I’m now prepared for future classes. I will work hard!