I’m a senior and am taking AP Euro, AP Lit, AP Bio, AP Calc BC, and self studying for both AP Physics C tests. I like learning about Euro and Bio, but the college credit that the exams can give me isn’t useful towards my electrical engineering major that I applied for in my 10 schools.
Each exam is 53 dollars, I can’t afford all 6; that’s why I can only take the AP tests for the four above that can be translated into useful college credit, not including Euro and Bio. Will colleges frown upon this?
P.S. On my common app, I indicated that I will take the AP tests in Euro, Lit, Bio, Calc BC, Comp Sci, Physics 2, and Chemistry, but that was before I learned how much these tests will cost. Should I let colleges know that I intend on taking AP tests in Lit, Calc BC, Physics C-E, and Physics C-M only?
That’s not a problem. Just take the ones that are useful to you. My D took 5 AP classes as a senior but only took one AP exam that year, because she was already maxed out from junior year on AP credits for the college she was attending. So she just took the one that would be useful to her for placement purposes.
Some schools tell students they must take the tests. So you should check to make sure that yours isn’t one of them. I don’t think you have to worry about which tests you projected you’d take. If you were not a senior, I’d say that not having scores could be interpreted as your having blown the tests but that isn’t an issue here.
Most schools don’t factor in the tests during applications - they’re just used for placement/credits.
There’s no point for seniors to take AP exams for which their college will grant neither credit nor placement. However, some high schools do require all students enrolled in AP courses to take the corresponding AP exam, which leads to a lot of seniors doodling in their test booklets for 3 hours.
Agreed. Unless the HS requires the tests to be taken, if the college does not give credit for the exam, IMO it’s a waste of time and $ to take.
OP: P.S. On my common app, I indicated that I will take the AP tests in Euro, Lit, Bio, Calc BC, Comp Sci, Physics 2, and Chemistry, but that was before I learned how much these tests will cost. Should I let colleges know that I intend on taking AP tests in Lit, Calc BC, Physics C-E, and Physics C-M only?
Relax. You don’t need to notify them about the tests you are not taking.