<p>Just noticed that common AP now has a spot for AP scores (It didn't when D applied)
What do you think? Does my S need to list AP scores even if he'd rather not?
Scores are one 3 and two 4s. Fine scores for our lousy high school. Not good scores for some of his reach schools.</p>
<p>I think AP scores are used more for placement and college credit than for admissions. In my opinion, you should provide them only when they are in your favor. If they are low, I would not volunteer them. Btw, many colleges do give credit for scores of 4, which is considered pretty good.</p>
<p>the only "rule" is that you shouldn't give any scores under 3. beyond that, they can't hurt you, and there's a good chance they'll help you in the long run.</p>
<p>S didn't have them when he applied, but the credit for his AP scores showed up on his college transcript before he showed up on campus. </p>
<p>Second what FLVADAD says, they are used more for placement, after you've been accepted.<br>
If your school is lousy, it might be good for the colleges to know that he did fine on the AP exams (i.e. supporting the grade on his transcript.)</p>
<p>Karen, yes, we did think that maybe reporting his scores would be OK given that the colleges will see on our high school report that the average SAT scores from our high school are low 400s. So tough to know what to do. It also seems to me that he needs to report all three scores, or no scores. Would it really be OK to just report the two 4s?</p>
<p>If they ask, I would list them. If not, I would leave them off. If they ask and you leave it blank, they might think he took the AP class and then didn't follow through and take the test. I think that would be worse!</p>
<p>I have never known anyone who would be reluctant to report a 4. Although that score may not get a student credit at some of the most elite colleges, it is quite respectable. I also see no reason not to include the 3. It's not a horrible score; it's just not high enough for credit at some colleges. Leaving out the 3 would be more conspicuous than including it, I think.</p>
<p>Colleges are looking for complete, relevant information, and that's why all Common Application colleges, and all UC colleges, and plenty of other colleges are asking for self-reported AP test scores as of this year. A score of 3 earns credit at some colleges (although not others) and helps build eligibility for some AP scholar awards (although not every AP scholar award, in overall mathematical effect). All those scores are well worth reporting--how can they be worse than not taking the test at all?</p>
<p>I would list all of them.</p>
<p>Our local high school was considered an "underperforming" school up until recently. It was very common for a student to receive an A in the class and receive a 1 or 2 on the AP exam.</p>
<p>If your school has a similar track record, then it is important to show that your son not only took "the most rigorous courseload" at his high school, but that he also excelled. His AP scores helps establish that fact.</p>
<p>Here are the 2007 AP student grade distributions. IMO a 3 or 4 is not a bad score. Example: if my d made a 4 on the US History in 2007, she would have been in the top 31%. Not bad, considering that AP itself has the stronger students. Almost half the students who took the AP USH in 2007 made below a 3. I'd wonder if perhaps it would look worse not to list your son's scores - it may be construed as doing worse than he did. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I'll advise my son to go ahead and list all three scores. You've been a big help to an over thinking, worrying Mom.</p>
<p>My son took AP American History as a sophomore. Even though he did well in the class, a B in an Honors course, he got a 3 on the test. We sent the scores to his school of choice, and now he is upset that they've seen this bad mark. We thought he would do well, since the course was designed to prepare you for the test, and he attended every review session offered. A bad test day, and I suspect maturity may have been a factor. </p>
<p>In looking at the College Board site, it seems that the test can be retaken, but it will have to be done during the school day. This would be difficult, as he would have to miss class, if his teachers permit, or it may even be at the same time as another AP test. He is taking Latin AP this year.</p>
<p>Since his school of choice has already seen this 3, I wonder if he should even retake the test. The school does not give credit for a 3. </p>
<p>Because of this experience, we did not opt to send his SAT scores from a couple of weeks ago, but will pay the ten bucks to send them if they are good. </p>
<p>If he retakes the test, it will be a year after he's finished the course, and he may do even worse. But he will be more mature and more familiar with the format.</p>
<p>The AP credit won't help him get out of any classes for this subject, but I'm worried it will hurt his chances of getting into his college of choice. </p>
<p>Please help! Any advice would be useful.</p>
<p>The whole AP test schedule for May 2009 is already posted online. </p>
<p>2009</a> AP Exam Calendars - AP Exam Dates </p>
<p>United States history is routinely at the end of the first week of testing (a Friday). It should be just as easy to schedule the test day this school year as it was last school year, and, yes, AP tests may be retaken. </p>
<p>You shouldn't worry so much about either the AP test or the SAT test. Colleges give applicants the benefit of their best scores. A score of a positive number on an AP test is better than no score at all, and some score on an SAT test is also better than no score at all.</p>