<p>I'm a rising junior, and I'll be taking about 5 AP classes next year. Of these, I plan on taking 2 AP tests. I'd like to hear the pros and cons of this, but first let me clear some things up.</p>
<p><em>Why I don't want to take all my AP classes</em></p>
<p>I plan on applying to Bryn Mawr College ed senior year. I have chosen one of their test-flexible plans - submitting the SAT I and two AP scores. Since I only have my junior year to take these, I want to focus all my attention on my two best subjects so I can get great scores.</p>
<p><em>Why I'm taking the other AP classes anyway</em></p>
<p>I've never taken an AP class because of a desire to earn college credit. I take AP classes because they are the most challenging classes offered at my school. I love learning, and not taking these AP tests is in no way related to taking the AP classes.</p>
<p><em>Why I think doing this is okay</em></p>
<p>I think it's okay because A) my high school does not take the 'AP' off transcripts simply for not taking the test B) as an IB candidate, I likely will fulfill the maximum credit transfer (8 credits) that Bryn Mawr accepts without taking these AP tests C) it will reduce a lot of the anxiety I face studying for all of these tests.</p>
<p>And another note. I don't want people to think that I'm lazy or underachieving, when I'm not. I'm just questioning why I should take these tests. Thanks.</p>
<p>same with me! I’ve taken multiple AP classes, but only 1 AP test, which I got a five on! I don’t think it really matters though!</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter. You don’t have to report AP scores to just about anywhere anyway. The only thing is you don’t have the opportunity to get out of some basic classes. You don’t need to over-justify yourself</p>
<p>yeah, sorry, kinda just expected to be attacked on this board.</p>
<p>My opinion is that if indeed you do well on the AP courses that you are taking – i.e. assimilate the material, do well in class, ace classroom tests and eventually get an “A” in the course then taking the AP test is a natural follow through. It’s closure. That "A should translate to a 5, especially if you are applying to very selective colleges.</p>
<p>And the main benefit of 5s (and, in some case for Bryn Mawr, 4s) is that you get to place out of some introductory courses in college. That will be a major win for someone who loves learning – you won’t need to repeat basic material in college.</p>
<p>If you don’t receive college credit for them, there isn’t really a need to take them, other than for closure/satisfaction/whatever. So if you can only get 8 credits then you should be fine. </p>
<p>I would advise taking your best three, instead of best two, however. It seems like a lot is riding on getting two really good scores, and 3 tests means one bad test day or one test being harder than expected doesn’t have such large ramifications. Might be something worth considering.</p>
<p>I would suggest taking three just to give yourself options. I personally had a lower score then expected on one of my exams, because I struggled with one of the open-ended questions. If you enjoy the subjects prepping for one more exam won’t be a huge deal.</p>
<p>Artsy and Bailey, great idea, I definitely should take three, just in case - can’t believe I didn’t think about that.</p>