I already posted this under ‘Arts’, but no one has answered.
Anyway, I feel like my work is pretty subpar, and do not expect a high score on the exam if I do submit, however I know colleges dislike not taking the exam along with the corresponding class. Could I put ‘Did not submit’ or something when self reporting AP scores on my college application? Or would submitting and doing badly be better? I don’t plan on majoring in it, so would not submitting even matter to top colleges?
No.
There are valid reasons to not take an AP exam, or in the case of AP Art, submitting a portfolio. One of the top valid reasons is if a college will not give credit for it. Most top private colleges and almost all art schools will not give AP credit for art.
@skieurope , so basically, HYPSM doesn’t care that I didn’t take the exam when it comes time to submit college apps?! :-bd Great! I don’t need to blow $92 for a 2 on an exam!
Should I mention not submitting for AP Studio when self-reporting, or will they not care?
Sorry, I assumed you were a senior and had already submitted the application.
For AP Studio Art, it probably still won’t make a difference, but by not reporting the score when the class appears on your transcript, may cause the AO, especially at the uber-selective colleges, to assume that:
• Financial hardship prevented you from taking the exam
• You were not motivated enough to take the exam
• You took the exam and performed poorly (1 or 2)
The first one will not affect the application; the last 2 may raise an eyebrow. AO’s can, and have, contacted GC’s to explain why there are no AP scores reported on the application.
Again, probably not a big whoop for HYPMS for Studio Art, but unless money is an issue, or unless your teacher says that you will probably score a 2, I’d go ahead and submit the portfolio. Of course, if your teacher does think you’ll get a 2, and your class grade does not reflect that, that will also say something to AO’s about grade inflation at your school.
Would “Did not submit” work or something similar work in place of nothing?
Financial hardship may be a problem. I’m taking quite a few this year, and my parents will most likely refuse to pay for the ones I’m taking without the corresponding class, so I’ll be covering the cost of those. However, we are not low income, around $200,000-225,000 per year.
My teacher has said nothing about my portfolio, but I already suspect a low score. Our grades are participation and effort not quality of word, not to mention it varies greatly teacher to teacher.
I really do not want to submit, but I technically don’t have a valid reason other than fear of a bad score. Could I explain to colleges when applying (a while later, so hopefully I’ll remember) that my parents aren’t willing to pay?