What is the point of having AP credits at UCLA?

<p>Here I am, at the end of my high school career, after taking 10 AP tests -- all 4's or 5's, I think -- and spending almost $900.</p>

<p>And it looks like all I will have to show for it is (as an engineering student) satisfied "Entry-Level Writing," "American History and Institutions," and "Writing I" requirements.</p>

<p>And each of those are also easily satisfied by OTHER things as well, like subject tests! A 500 or better on the SATII to satisfy the American History and Institutions requirement? Really?</p>

<p>So, to sum things up, it looks like I wasted $900.</p>

<p>What's the point? I've heard the argument about getting a higher class standing to help with course selection, but that still doesn't seem worth it (also, will that even matter for a Regents Scholar with priority class selection anyways?).</p>

<p>Maybe your AP classes got you Regent’s Scholar in the first place? I’m not so sure, but yeah, it sounds like you wasted $900. At least you had a good education, rofls.</p>

<p>AP Credits are not what they used to be. It’s not even just about engineering kids, it’s all the premed students as well (myself included) that will get almost nothing for them. Coming from someone with multiple 5’s and 10 APs total (after this year) I can tell you that I feel the same way. That’s also why I let senioritis get to me and I didn’t study much for Calculus BC or Physics (which is tomorrow). I’m going to have to take the classes at UCLA anyway since they are premed requirements and usually cannot be met by AP scores. </p>

<p>The sad fact of the matter is, in this day and age, AP credits aren’t really a bonus that get you credit once you’re in. They are almost a prerequisite to get you in. I doubt you would have looked as impressive as you did on apps without spending that $900 on AP tests and scoring 4’s and 5’s. It’s sad but it’s true.</p>

<p>You would get Calculus credit if you took that exam. If you take 10 AP’s you’ll probably end up with 60 units or so. That doesn’t make much difference in Engineering, but if you switch it minimizes the number of electives you need to graduate. And class standing is very helpful even if you are a Regents Scholar, assuming you ever plan on taking more than 13 units in a quarter.</p>

<p>Even if I only took AP Calc AB (not BC)?</p>

<p>If you got a 5…</p>

<p>yeah, you wasted 900 dollars pretty much.</p>

<p>This is why I’m glad my school district paid for my AP tests until this year, and I qualified for a fee waiver this year. I’ve paid a total of $25 for my 11 AP exams.</p>

<p>Oddly fitting username?</p>

<p>honestly, even if you wanted the higher class standing, community college classes are way more cost effective as they take care of classes and I would even say easier.</p>