Take AP exam or not?

<p>Does taking an AP class but choosing not to take the AP exam have a negative impact on admission decisions at the selective colleges - the likes of Tufts, CMU, UCs, etc?</p>

<p>The flip side of the question is, if you don't think you will do well on the AP test, is it better to skip it all together or take it and not do very well (score of 3 or below?)</p>

<p>Well, the adcoms might think that a high grade in an AP class could just be the result of grade inflation then. It's better to take it to back up your grade.</p>

<p>well, you see, in my school there is no honors physics. there is regular physics and AP physics. regular would be way too easy for me. ap will definitely be really hard for me. I am pretty sure I wouldn't exactly do well on the AP exam.<br>
so my question would be more complicated:
should I take regular physics, and not challange myself, and bring down my gpa
or
should I take AP physics, challenge myself, but not take the AP
or
should I take AP physics, challenge myself, and take the AP but probably get a 2ish.</p>

<p>Therein lies is the rub. Grade on AP chem would almost certainly be a B, with some distant hope for an A; not feeling ready for the AP test, not sure whether it is possible to get a 3 on the AP test. </p>

<p>So the dilemma is whether the high probability of getting a 2 on the AP chem test makes it pointless to even try. Thinking of just passing on the test, wondering which one is more neutral on a college ap - B in class and no AP test, or a B in class and 2 on AP test.</p>

<p>i think it's best to take the AP class, and you won't get a 2 if you study hard all year, and not just the month before hte test.</p>