<p>I am interested in some very selective universities. Unfortunately, very few students from my high school attend elite schools, so I don't really have a path to follow. One of the concerns I have regards AP testing. I am taking / plan to take several AP classes, and unfortunately, some of the classes I have the most natural aptitude for (generally the humanities) have somewhat poor AP Exam preparation. Should I take these exams since they cover subject areas I intend to pursue in college, or is the risk of low scores enough of a deterrent that I should stay away?</p>
<p>If you take an AP exam, you can self report your score for your college application if you think it is worth reporting. If you think it’s not good enough, you don’t have to report it. Once you decide which college to attend, if credit or placement is awarded for a given score that you have, you can have the scores sent by the CB.</p>
<p>Lots of students don’t take the exams, so if you think the class won’t prepare you well, don’t feel that you have to take the exam.</p>
<p>That’s a good thought. I was looking at the format for the AP score report, and noticed it said all AP scores would be submitted to colleges if you sent them the official report. Since I assume they will want that report to verify my self-reported scores, will that bring sub-par scores to their attention?</p>
<p>You won’t send your scores until you commit. Low scores will have no bearing on your acceptance, since you will only self report.</p>
<p>Remember to check potential schools for their policy regarding giving you credit for AP classes. Each school is different and it may influence how many tests you choose to take.</p>
<p>How many AP exams are you going to take? Being an AP scholar may help your application.</p>
<p>Thanks FlyMe, I was under the impression I would have to send scores with my application. </p>
<p>Billcsho- I was thinking the same thing; I plan to take between 6 and 8 (I’m aiming for AP Scholar with Distinction). However, I was a bit curious as to how that would affect the application process, since the College Board says all the AP tests you take over your high school career will be averaged, but they won’t have the tests I take senior year until well after the admissions process is over. Can anyone clarify how this works? Do I need to take the five tests required for Scholar with Distinction by my Junior year for that to be counted in my application process?</p>
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<p>Correct. The tests that count for AP awards are freshman, sophomore, and junior years - those are the ones before application time.</p>