I’m currently working on filling out my Common App and trying to decide what AP scores to report. For reference, I am applying early to either Yale or Princeton. Of course, I am applying to safeties and target schools as well, but there are a few Ivies and prestigious schools on my list, so I want my application to be as competitive as possible. Here are my AP scores:
AP World History - 4
AP European History - 5
AP Chemistry - 3
AP United States History - 5
AP Language and Composition - 5
I assumed that I wouldn’t report the 3, but I’m wondering if I should report the 4 or not. These are the only exams I have taken thus far, but I am taking six more AP exams this year. Obviously I will not be able to report those, but I’m trying to figure out if I should only report 5s or if I should emphasize the other exams I’ve taken.
Did you take an AP Chem class, or just the exam (on your own)?
If the latter, you can skip reporting the 3.
However, if you took the class and don’t report the score it’ll be obvious you didn’t score well.
Disagree with this advice. Report all except the 3, colleges don’t assume you took the test and did poorly, they don’t even know if you chose to take the test, had a conflict, were sick that day etc.
Absolutely agree! My son missed several AP exams because they conflicted with state swim meet and we were very stressed that schools would assume he failed and universally heard that schools absolutely know conflicts arise and do NOT assume they failed the exam if scores are not reported.
If your HS does not make everyone take AP tests who take the class, you can safely not report the 3. However: if you are applying as a STEM kid I don’t think the not-reporting will be overlooked at that level of school. Make sure you have plenty of non-reaches on your list; good luck.