<p>Ok, first, i'd like to set something straight here: i've read the other threads about the importance of AP scores, and they all either became confusing or wandered off-topic; in addition, there's almost nothing about the subject of self-studied APs - most of the people take classes.
So here's what i want to clarify: what do colleges think about the grades on Ap exams that were self-studied? Do they not take them seriously, saying that they took it for the sake of taking the tests, not for knowledge, or is it vice versa: they like the fact that students can put an effort in something they don't have to do and succeed? I've heard different opinions, ranging from "it looks awesome on the apps" to "it significantly lowers your chances since colleges think it takes time away from your ECs".
PS My situation: i took 8 tests this past year, self-studied 7, passed all (two 3s, three 4s, three 5s), and on the one i took the class for i got a 3. I did it not to prove something to somebody or maki it a factor in my admission, but to save money on college courses, since i'm not planning on going to an ivy or a very prestigious private school. I have almost no ECs because i had no time: from the start of the school year i worked at a restaurant 30-35 hours a week, than in late april i found another job and worked 15-20 hrs.</p>
<p>Working is an EC!</p>
<p>bump ... come on people, nobody self-studies anymore?</p>
<p>I would self study more classes if my HS gives me GPA credit for it</p>
<p>I don't think there's any one good answer. Some colleges probably think it's impressive, others just won't care as much. It won't hurt.</p>