But a top tier college can take the AP scores seriously. For an admit, the adcom impressions are what matters.
I’d caution that any argument pro-boarding school can also have its set of counterarguments. It’snt just going to BS that makes one smarter or enhances student learning. In fact, some BS and preps have classes tailored to writing the Common App essay and sometimes you’ll see the AP test prep listed as a course, following the actual class. So sure, there can be an “expectation” of a high AP score. Not arguing, just mentioning.