<p>Is there a practical use of spending $89 on AP tests like Computer Science, Economics and Studio Art if I'm going to major in Biology? I mean I already had the class, taking the AP tests would just be a waste of money since I'll never use the credit.</p>
<p>So you’ve never heard of distribution requirements?</p>
<p>Most universities give you either credit or waive a required class depending on their policy for the AP credit.</p>
<p>It is still October. Why are you worried about an AP exam?</p>
<p>My school wants us to make deposits for whatever reason. And no I’ve never heard for distribution.</p>
<p>Have you taken any APs before? What year are you in high school?</p>
<p>What colleges are you interested in? You can look up their AP credit policy as well as distribution policy.</p>
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<p>Basically, you’re not going to spend four years taking only biology classes. Most American colleges, especially liberal arts colleges but also most universities, require that you take introductory classes in a broad range of subjects so that you end up with a well-rounded education. If your college grants AP credit, you can get out of some of these classes by taking AP exams. It’s actually probably better to take AP classes in a subject you don’t plan to major in…many people like to retake introductory courses in their major even if they could get AP credit, just to make sure they have a full understanding of the material. </p>
<p>(Also, you’re not expected to know what you want to major in right now. You probably won’t declare your major freshman year, and most college students change their major anyway. I’d recommend that you expose yourself to a few different subjects before committing to a major.)</p>
<p>The $89 and a passing score ensures universities you learned what you needed to learn in the AP classes you took. It would be suspect if you did not take them.</p>
<p>Also, in some cases you get elective credit, which means you have slightly prioritized registration. I say slightly prioritized because there are going to be students who’ve somehow taken ALL the possible APs and can register first.</p>
<p>Agree with everything said above - those AP exams could count toward elective requirements (especially the Studio Art AP exam).</p>
<p>I’ve actually heard that you’re better taking AP credit for subject areas that AREN’T your major. If you are majoring in biology, you might not want to skip the intro class, have it turn out they covered something that wasn’t in your AP class, and then run into problems later. However, if you take the economics AP test, fulfill some core/general education/elective credit, and never take an economics class again, you’ve just managed to get maybe 4 college credits for $89. Good luck finding a deal like that at any university!</p>