What happens to my chances if I got a 3 on AP Chem?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

So the AP Chem exam was last month and I knew when we took it, we had not covered a huge portion of the material that was on this year’s test. Now our Chem teacher is finally covering it, and I realize that I did not guess properly, I am certain that I got several items incorrect.

How much is the AP score counted in the highly selective college admission process? I have two weeks left as a junior, and this is my 9th AP test so far (6 this year, 1 as a freshman and 2 as a sophomore). Last year I got a 4 and a 5, and freshman year I got a 5. Other than AP Chem, I feel pretty confident that I scored 4 or 5 on all the others. But does getting a 3 sink my chances to any of the New England schools that meet full needs?

2

Nothing. I know classmates who have failed AP tests and gotten into schools like UCLA, UCB, and similar schools.

3

I agree with the previous poster. Typically, AP test are used only to determine if you get college credit once accepted, not really used in the decision process.

4

Thank you both. This is encouraging, but if this is really true, why do they ask for the scores?

5

@thirdkidislost Checking for grade inflation/deflation, mainly. Also, if you don’t take an AP test/report the scores, they usually assume one of the following things:

  1. you could not afford the test at the time
  2. you were not prepared enough for the test
  3. you were not motivated enough to take the test
  4. other extenuating circumstances.

Let’s just say: I wouldn’t worry about a single 3. People have their “on their point” days, and people have their off days. We are only human. R E L A X.

6

So I actually got two 3’s, two 4’s, and two 5’s this year. How do I confirm with schools that they will look at the entire course year grades - 2 A+'s , 2 A’s, and 2 B+'s and not the AP exams itself when it comes to admission decisions?

7

You only send your official AP scores to the college you plan to attend after Senior year. You can self-report your AP scores on your application or not. Your choice.

8

So we don’t have to send the AP scores with the application?

9

No, unless the school(s) specifically requests them. You send your SAT and/or ACT scores along with any SAT 2 subject tests with your application.