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Remember, a lower score does not erase the fact that you took a rigorous course, which is already a positive in the eyes of admissions committees. It's worth checking with the specific schools you're applying to, as some might have particular policies or recommendations regarding AP scores.
- What’s Covered
- Reporting AP Exam Scores
- Importance of AP Classes
- AP Class Alternatives
Should I report all my AP scores or can I choose? Are universities able to see all of my AP exams and scores?
Universities are only able to see the AP exam scores that you submit to them. If you have already received AP exam scores when it comes time to apply to college, you can choose which of them, if any, you want to submit to a university. They will not be able to see the scores you have not submitted. They will, of course, be able to see the grades you’ve received in your classes. It’s important, then, to earn good grades in the AP classes you take.
Which AP score should I self-report on my application? How does this change if I’m applying to highly selective colleges?
In general, if you’re applying to highly selective colleges, it is a good idea to report only your 5s. You want to include your best accomplishments on your college application, so you should avoid self-reporting 3s or 4s.
Do most colleges consider all APs equal?
In general, colleges do regard certain AP courses and exams as more rigorous. Exams in subjects, such as the hard sciences or United States history, are generally considered more challenging. Even though some of the exams are more difficult than others, a 3 on a very difficult exam won’t necessarily carry much weight. You may want to submit a 4, depending on the course. For certain subjects like chemistry or physics, there is some value to it. In general, however, you should stick to submitti...
Is it worth taking APs in other subjects like language, government, or something else when I’m interested in a STEM major?
Yes, it is worth it. Pretty much every prospective STEM major will apply with good grades in math and science, and with good scores on math and science exams. If you can demonstrate that you have different talents―while still doing well in your math and science courses―will be a major plus for your application. Your diverse interests and well-rounded academics will help you to stand out.
How much do AP or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams even matter for acceptance?
The exams themselves do not matter that much. It is important to challenge yourself with AP- or IB-level coursework, though. College admissions offices want to see that you’ve worked hard and have pushed yourself. This means you should take AP courses in subjects that are relevant to your planned academic track. The exams, however, do not carry that much weight.
My high school doesn’t offer any AP classes, but I’ve taken classes at a local college. How will this impact the competitiveness of my application?
If the college you’re applying to receives a lot of applications from students in your area, then they will be aware that many schools in your region don’t provide AP or IB classes. They will have enough context to be able to give you credit if you’ve taken any similarly challenging courses. If the college you’re applying to does not receive a lot of applications from students in your area, they won’t be as familiar with the school system there. You can address this in two ways. The first way...
I’ve taken a few AP classes, but many honors and community college classes. Am I good when it comes to course rigor, or should I take more AP classes?
You should take more AP classes, especially if you’re going into your senior year. If you’re able to increase your course rigor without substantially hurting your grades, you should do so. Unfortunately, colleges don’t place as much value on community college classes as they do on AP classes. This is not necessarily fair as there are many very rigorous community college classes. In general, however, colleges prefer to see that you’ve taken AP classes.
In Texas, schools offer a new AP equivalent called OnRamps. Should I mention in my essay that I opted for OnRamps in place of AP?
College essaysprovide you with more of an opportunity to develop your personality and share who you are. You shouldn’t mention this information in your essays. Instead, you can write about this in the “Additional Information” section. You should also make sure that your school counselor describes this system in their recommendation so that admissions officers have further context.
Mar 5, 2024 · For example, the AP Calculus BC exam gives you a Calculus AB subscore, because the BC exam is largely comprised of material that is also on the AB exam, plus some more advanced topics. If your overall score on the BC exam was a 3, but your AB subscore was a 5, that shows colleges that, while you struggled with the most difficult parts of the exam, you still have an excellent grasp of most core ...
Feb 16, 2024 · AP test scores are not generally a highly weighted component of your college application, but if you choose to submit them, they will generally be reviewed by the admissions committee. The amount of weight they are given will vary by school, and in general the more competitive the admissions process is, the more these smaller factors might play a role in distinguishing between similar candidates.
It's great to see that you're challenging yourself with AP courses. Colleges typically put more weight on AP course rigor and the corresponding grades rather than the exam scores themselves. Of course, good AP scores can help support your application, but they're usually not as crucial as other factors like your GPA and extracurricular activities.
Students taking hybrid digital AP Exams complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app, and write their responses in paper free-response booklets. These booklets are similar to the existing free-response booklets that students have used for paper AP Exams.
People also ask
What AP exams have a subscore?
Does AP Calculus BC give you a AB subscore?
Are AP exams more difficult?
How are AP exams scored?
Why have AP Calculus scores been low recently?
Can AP students see my AP Exam scores?
Oct 28, 2021 · Note that they cannot take both exams in the same testing period. The AP exam for students in AP Calculus AB will cover eight course units, while the exam for AP Calculus BC will cover 10 course units. Let’s take a closer look at each unit, and the exam weight it carries. Units 1-8: Both Calculus AB and BC
