<p>Should I take the AP Music Theory Test?</p>
<p>I'm a junior in a competitive high school and I am already planning to take three other AP tests besides AP Music Theory. However, I don't believe that the course I'm taking right now at school will prepare me for the AP test. I've already looked up the substance on the AP Music Theory test, and my class has not covered the material well. There is only one test prep brand out there, Barrons, that even has a book for AP Music Theory, and I have yet to order it. I know I can cancel the test after I've taken it, but I don't want to waste 85 dollars, time, and months of worrying. Yet, I don't want to risk getting a 2 or even a 3 on the test, as that will reflect poorly on my academic record. </p>
<p>Will I be uncompetitive if I decide not to take the test? </p>
<p>Will college admission officers think me lazy, unmotivated, or look on me unfavorably if I don't take it, even if I don't plan to major in music in college? </p>
<p>If I were to self-study another AP test as a substitute for AP Music Theory, would that at least make up the fact that my fourth AP test will not be Music Theory?</p>
<p>What are your thoughts?</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your help!</p>
<p>After reading a few related threads on this topic, I feel as if I should add some more information:</p>
<p>The AP class I’m taking now emphasizes actual theory over ear training, sightsinging, sightreading, melodic dictation, and generally anything aural.
I have played 10 years of piano and have taken the CM test up to Advanced, but that test still emphasizes theory over ear training, sightsinging, etc.
Though it shames me to admit it, I am one of the worst of my class of 20 students at sightsinging and ear training. I am certain I do not have perfect pitch.
I did manage to scrape an A in my class, but that was because it mostly stressed book-work over anything else.
As I’ve stated before, I don’t plan to major (or minor) in music in college, but I’m worried that if I don’t take the test, I will be uncompetitive since my dream is to be accepted into the Ivies.
Most people in my class are planning to take the test. </p>
<p>I can’t honestly say that I am a true music aficianado. This is disheartening, I know, because I didn’t take the class because of my love for music, but rather because I caved under my parent’s pressure and scolding to add another AP class to my list. They insist that I take the test. I know my motive for taking the class is tainted and unpure, but all I can do now is to decide whether I want to take the AP test or not.</p>