<p>Hi, I am currently a rising junior. Last year, I took the AP Biology Exam and the AP European History exam and got a 4 on both of them. I have a 3.9 unweighted GPA, an planning on taking 5 AP courses junior year, and am already scoring 2200+ on my SAT Practice tests. I just wanted to know how much the AP scores that I got on the two tests that I have taken are going to affect me in the future. I am really striving to get into a HYPSM or any Ivy League school. What are some tips that I can do follow to improve the chance of that? But my main question is, how much is getting a 4 on my AP Biology exam going to affect me if I am planning on going to med school? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Considering you were a sophomore, I think you’re fine.</p>
<p>What does it matter if I was a sophomore when I took the exam?</p>
<p>I’m just saying I think they consider the year you take the class/test. So, a 4 on a particulare AP test sophomore year is better than taking the class/test junior or senior year and scoring a 4.</p>
<p>Ok, but still, do you know if that affects my chances at getting into a good med school?</p>
<p>I seriously doubt it. You’re ahead of the curve taking 2 AP classes sophomore year.</p>
<p>Ok thank you!</p>
<p>AP test scores may account for 1% of the total information used to decide admission. Don’t worry yourself with it…</p>
<p>Even if I want to major in biology, a 4 is not going to affect that?</p>
<p>And don’t stress too much about a 4. I know you’re setting high goals, but 4s and 5s are what students strive for.</p>
<p>Yeah I understand that, but if I want to go to these competitive schools, I’m going to need some of the best grades.</p>
<p>You’ll have other ways to impress. Taking the class sophomore year and scoring a 4 is not as bad as you think. Relax and move on to the next.</p>
<p>This is from the Princeton web page:</p>
<p>“What tests do I need to take?
A complete application includes official scores of the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. In addition, all applicants must submit the results of three different SAT Subject Tests. We ask students who are considering the study of engineering to include a math subject test Mathematics I or Mathematics II and a subject test in either physics or chemistry in their three SAT Subject Tests. Students interested in areas outside of engineering may submit any three SAT Subject Tests, preferably in three different subjects. Please note that the College Board English Language Proficiency Test does not count as a subject area test or as a substitute for the SAT Reasoning Test.”</p>
<p>… does not say that AP scores are required but I think there is a section on common app for scores. I would imagine that at Ivies they could come into play as 'tie breaker" between equal students, but as previous post suggests, getting a “4” is not going to keep you out of your preferred college.</p>
<p>I have no idea what OhioMom is talking about…</p>
<p>AP Scores aren’t even viewed by the colleges unless you send them, report them, or are required to report them. Most colleges don’t require you to send them in. But if they are good, (and a 4 is good), you may report them. However, a 4 in AP Biology is not enough to get credit at most good universities, but the majority of lower tier colleges accept a 3+ in AP BIology. For example, University of Florida only accepts a 5 to receive credit in AP Biology, that definitely means all top 20 schools require 5s.</p>
<p>Just remember, a 4 > 1-3, AND better than not taking the test. Taking an AP class and not taking the test looks bad, especially for top 20 schools. And since lower income students can get fee waivers, there should be no real excuse (unless a tragedy in the family, etc.).</p>
<p>^^ There is no reason for him not to send in the 4, especially considering he took the class/test sophomore year. As I said before, a 4 sophomore year is better than a 4 junior or senior year.</p>