Does it look bad if you take an AP exam before the class?

Mwfan1921
Sat, 11 Oct 2025 11:42:57 +0000

tsbna44:

CS is not a core hs course.

It is for some schools (HS and/or college). It also counts as a foreign language for some schools, for example the GA publics (both HSs and colleges.)

APRecess:

I’m planning on potentially taking the AP Computer Science A exam in Grade 10 and the course itself in Grade 12, as well as taking the AP Calculus BC exam in Grade 10 and the course itself in Grade 12.

Far preferable to take these classes. Can you take them in Grade 10?

APRecess:

What would be a better decision for AP CSA?

1. Getting a 5 on the AP CSA exam and not taking the class at all (although I am majoring in CS)

2. Not taking the AP CSA exam until I take the class (so it is still considered rigorous)

Take the class. At some schools, including the one where I read apps, you would not get any consideration for the course and its rigor if you just take the exam. Even if you get a 5 on the AP test. (yes, there can be exceptions to this, e.g. the HS doesn’t offer the course, or scheduling difficulties, as reported by the HS counselor, prevented a student from taking the course.)

Further, at some schools, if you don’t have courses supporting your major selection, it will make it tougher to be admitted. Do you/will you have ECs that support CS as a major?