Pass/No Credit Reflection on Transcript?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi,

I just completed a pass/no credit form for AP CS A. Basically, if you’re not familiar with it, it just assesses if you passed (C- and above), or didn’t and subsequently gives you a Pass or N/C on your transcript, with no effect on your GPA. I am a high school freshman, and didn’t really like the teacher nor the teaching method, and generally wasn’t doing well in the class. I am planning on taking the exam next year, but I was wondering what top level colleges think about Pass/NC on your transcript? I’ve been taking all honors and plan on taking quite a few AP classes through high school, it’s just that I did not believe I’d do well in AP CS A due to being a complete beginner with no real interest in Java. For some background, I am in ninth grade, and I have taken all Honors classes so far with straight A’s, and I’m currently taking Honors Bio, Hon. Pre-Calc and Hon. Civics. I didn’t want a horrible grade in AP CS A to drag my GPA down.

If I don’t plan on majoring in Computer Science, and also plan on taking the exam next year with hopes for a high score, will the Pass/NC still be a big factor? What will big colleges think about it? I am planning on applying for an Ivy but I’m really not sure how this will affect things in the long run. I’d really appreciate some advice!

2

I don’t think anyone here will be able to give you a definitive answer. Best case scenario, it’ll be treated as if you didn’t take it, would be my guess. Worst case, depending on whether / how your school profile explains it, it’ll be treated like you got a C-.

An AP class you have no particular interest in is generally not a wise choice, for reasons having nothing to do with college admissions. OTOH, I suspect most adults involved in the admissions process don’t expect 13yos to make nothing but wise choices.