<p>That is, to steal Shakespeare's words, the question. Specifically, I'm wondering if I should take the AP English Literature exam.</p>
<p>This is prompted by an inquiry to Dartmouth, which resulted in their English department telling me that they do not accept AP credit. Unless Princeton or Yale does for a 5 on this exam (I am fairly confident I will receive one, based on the preliminary practice exams), there is no future benefit for taking the test, beyond the challenge of taking it. Complicating the issues, though, is the fact I stated on my college applications that the AP English Literature exam was one I was going to take. I'm fearful that not taking it will make it look like I am slacking of, and cause them to change their minds about me - I got a Dartmouth likely- or shift me from admit to waitlist, or waitlist to reject in their preliminary decisions pile. Or perhaps, since they might not know until after decisions are released, rescind me for falsifying my application (as they had made the decision based on the knowledge I was taking the test, while I obviously did not.)</p>
<p>With that said, does Princeton or Yale accept AP credit for this exam? And if not, should I bother taking it, considering what I've judged about my application chances (that is, am I right in thinking not taking it would hurt me in the admissions process)? I am not rich, so not paying the fee for taking it would be great, especially considering I will be forced to pay the late fee for AP Macroeconomics.</p>
<p>As I understand it, you told Dartmouth that you were planning to take this exam. Then you learned that they do not accept AP credit for this exam. What exactly did they tell you? That they do not give you credit on your transcript as though you had taken English 101 there? That they do not give you advanced placement into English 201 because of the exam? Double check the website or make another call. While you are at it, check the websites of your other colleges and universities. This kind of information usually is stated quite explicitly on the website.</p>
<p>If the colleges and universities you have applied to will not give you either academic credit or advanced placement, as a result of your AP exam scores, there is no reason whatsoever to waste the time, trouble, and money to take that exam. What you planned to do last fall, and what you actually end up doing in the spring, are two different things.</p>
<p>I also put the AP English Lit exa on my application, but I will not be taking it. Northwestern only accepts 5’s for either language or lit and because I already have credit and therefore (as in your case) would gain nothing for next year from the test, my GC advised me not to take it.</p>
<p>I’d call Dartmouth if you’re really concerned, but otherwise it shouldn’t hurt your admissions in any way.</p>
<p>This meant to me rather literally what it said, and thus that taking the AP exam would be meaningless. If I chose to not take the exam (I still need to check with Princeton and Yale before not doing so), should I update the college now, or wait until decisions are released?</p>
<p>Edit: I’ve now checked Princeton and Yale, and while Princeton only seems to offer more advanced class placement for a 5 on the test, Yale does award acceleration credit for a similar achievement. I guess that means I ought to take the test, unless I am missing something in my observations. Is that an accurate assessment?</p>