<p>I am taking an AP Chemistry exam tomorrow and I am grossly underprepared for numerous reasons. I guess my real question is this: If I get say a 1 or 2 on the AP Chem exam, will this keep me out of my dream school, let's say a top-15 or top-20 school? I finished the year with an A overall in the course, and in all my other courses as well. I think I have everything it takes to get into the school, but I'm really stressing on whether this failed AP exam will matter. I wasn't planning on using the credit anyways, and I've heard that you don't have to report the score in your application (I will not report this exam if given the choice), but I want to know, honestly, whether this will affect me in any way? Thank you so much.</p>
<p>That’s a great question. I don’t know the answer, but am hoping that someone who does chimes in. If the college sees that you took the AP course but don’t report the exam score, they can infer that it probably wasn’t a good one, but does that matter at all?</p>
<p>An A in the class is way more important than any score on the test. Also, my daughter got a 2 on the AP Chem test and it didn’t stop her from getting in a Top 15 LAC - she never reported it and had plenty of other academic credentials to make up for it. I’ll assume that you do too.</p>
<p>In short, your performance on one test on one morning in your junior year are unlikely to derail your application to any school. It takes a whole lot of poor performances on a whole lot of mornings to do that.</p>
<p>That’s a relief. One more question, if you don’t mind. If I were to not report the score on my common app, would the college ever even see it? And would they make assumptions on why I didn’t report it? Thanks again :)</p>
<p>Honestly, do not even worry. One test makes no difference. I applied to many great, great schools and was accepted to the majority. Most of my test scores were good, but not AMAZING. For example, while a LOT of people have an 800 on the Math II subject test, I did not (and my score was way below that). Now, I’m not saying I had a horrible score, but what I am trying to show you is that one score is inconsequential. </p>
<p>Schools place most emphasis upon SAT/ACT. Even at that, once you pass a certain score, they don’t care! That threshold (for elite schools and top LACs) is a 33 on the ACT and a 2200 on the SAT. Once you have those scores, they don’t really care. An SAT/ACT score won’t keep you out. Similarly, it won’t push you in. </p>
<p>Grades are far more important. Also, some people don’t seem to say this enough, but teacher recommendations ARE SO FLIPPING SIGNIFICANT. It shows if you’re just getting by with your A, or if you’re actually 1) a meaningful contributor to the classroom who is always actively engaged and seeking out assistance from the teacher 2) A NICE PERSON. One who helps his or her peers without expecting anything in return. </p>
<p>Another thing that is monumentally important is writing ability. This is going to show through in your essays and teacher recommendations (they select a box about your writing ability). This is super important; no matter what field you enter, you have to convince others of the significance of your work (and be able to write about!). It’s incredibly vital to your success in college, so it is something they’re going to be looking at.</p>
<p>Haha I realize I went off on somewhat of a tangent, but I just want to reassure you that there are things that are far more important.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! That part about the SAT/ACT threshold was reassuring, because I cleared both of those hurdles. Hopefully it works out in the end.</p>
<p>No - AP scores are optional to report, you can simply just not tell them about it. Even then, APs are probably the lowest on the totem pole of academics.</p>
<p>This should not be a problem at all, provided the AP Test score will not be included in your academic grade (as you indicated it will not). It will only affect you adversely once you are admitted, if you hope to get college credit or place into a higher-level class. This could be a factor if you want an accelerated BS/MD program, for instance. If you are looking at competitive STEM programs, you might want to prep for the Chemistry Subject SAT test, and take that in the fall. If you already have good grades and SAT/ACT scores, don’t worry too much. </p>