Should I postpone my AP exams??

Applying to College
1

I’m taking 7 ap exams this year and in class we’ve taken practice tests already and this is how I’ve done:
Psychology-5
U.S History-5
Human Geography-5
Statistics-4
Physics-2(ouch i’m really trying to pass this exam but at this point idk)
Computer Science A-N/A
Macroeconomics-N/A(Probably a 3/4)

The problem is not with physics because i may have a shot, but more with computer science A. I took this class online and it was easy but I did not learn much material at all. I have approximately 3 weeks until this exam and I frankly think I will get a 1. My school already ordered the test but if I skip the test my GC said I only would owe $13. I feel like there’s no way I could pass at this point unless I binge read a review book but no one i’ve asked has ever tried it. If I skip this exam how will admissions see it when I have A/A in the class but no exam score on my score report? Should I just take it and score a 1 or a 2 and avoid suspicion?

2

You run the risk of an admissions officer thinking one of 3 things:
• Financial hardship prevented you from taking the exam
• You were not motivated enough to take the exam
• You took the exam and performed poorly
The first one will not affect your 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.

The bottom line though is that AP scores carry little to no weight in the admissions process; they are used primarily for credit and/or placement.

Personally, I’d say suck it up and take the test; you may be pleasantly surprised. Plus it’s good practice for college where you will be unable to dodge the final exam. :slight_smile: