Discussions with AO’s, and their other writings/responses on this topic, tell me this is not the case. They are impressed if you get an A after a full year of classroom education, class discussion, homework, tests, etc.
Trying to clarify the role of AP courses in the MIT admissions process.
It is true that few students who had the option to take AP Calculus and an AP science (or similarly advanced calculus and science curricula, such as IB, A level, college classes, etc.) and chose, for no good reason, not to take them, find themselves admitted. And many students will avail themselves of further advanced coursework. For many students, we do see their creativity and excitement for learning coming through most clearly in the classroom and related activities, and when we see this, we do pay attention.
…AP scores are not part of an admission formula.