I received my AP scores today and got a 1 on the European History exam. The thing is, our teacher did not prepare us at all. We had easy tests, which consisted of only multiple choice, and no finals. No one was prepared. For the next couple of AP classes I will take next year for junior year (AP English Language and AP US History), I am deciding on not taking the AP exams because I don’t want to risk not passing. I honestly want to go to USC to study music. If I don’t take these AP exams, is that okay? OR if I do take the exams but not pass, is that okay too? Considering I apply to USC (University of Southern California). Thank you!!!
AP results are not considered in admissions.
Oh, and stop blaming your teachers for your failures. Did everyone in the class fail the AP exam?
@TomSrOfBoston The Euro test was ridiculously difficult this year. The format was new, meaning fewer practice tests. Also, AP teachers do have a responsibility to teach their students properly. An AP Euro course without finals? Only multiple choice tests? I’m frankly not surprised that the class was not prepared, especially considering the rigor of AP Euro and the difficulty of the test. However, I agree that teachers should not completely be blamed for the failure of their students; students have a responsibility to prep for the AP tests themselves as well on their own.
To answer your question, OP, don’t be afraid to take more AP tests. I had a friend who got a 1 and a 2 on his 2 AP tests that he took sophomore year. He bounced back junior year with all 4s and 5s. Don’t let the number make you lose your confidence. If you don’t choose to send USC your AP scores, they will never see them. I encourage you to take more APs, and this time, don’t depend fully on the teacher. Buy practice books (Princeton review Euro was excellent and is also good for APUSH, and the Crash course books are excellent for all APs). Do practice exams on your own and score them, and I guarantee you will do well on the tests. USC accepts AP credits for 4s and 5s, so keep that in mind.
Good luck! USC Thornton is an excellent school. I would like to go there too, but sadly I’m not good enough at violin to even think of getting in 
AP exam scores have litttle no consideration in the admissions process. Officers will go to scores if a student puts down AP Scholar with Distinction as an award or if there is a discrepancy between class grade and score showing signs of grade inflation/deflation. Other than that scores are used for credit and placement after a student is admitted and nothing more so I would not worry. What you keed to keep in mind though is that the Thornton school of music is highly competitive in itself and most of admission chances is based on the audition performance or submitted composition piece. (If going into that) If all your ducks are in a row with your GPA/SAT/ACT then I’d focus on harnessing your musical ECs/skill set
Last year everyone failed the Euro exam and this year many of my friends did as well. Stop being rude.
Thank you mhc006 for your kind comment. Thank you very much. I do not blame the teachers I just wish they prepared us more.
Your AP scores do not really matter until you actually get accepted. Admissions will likely look at your grades in AP classes but the exam scores themselves don’t impact your chances. I think that you should take AP exams in the future, especially since they’re not just going to be AP Euro again - from what others have said, it seems that that exam was particularly difficult. Again, even if those don’t go well, your admission chances are not affected. Hopefully if your ACT/SAT scores are close to USC’s and your gpa and ECs are strong, you’ll stand a pretty good shot at getting into USC! please chance back