How Important are AP Tests?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I’m planning on going to barnard college, and i see all these stats with 4 or 5’s on AP Tests.
Am i going to be really behind if i decide not to take my two (calc and english) ap tests this year? Would i graduate at a lower level than everybody else?</p>

<p>if this is true, what are the disadvantages in graduating with a “lower level”?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I don’t quite understand what you mean by graduating with a “lower level”? Not taking the Calc might matter, because most colleges grants you credit for a 4 or 5 on the AB or the BC. And at most schools, a 4 or 5 on the BC exam would probably fulfill whatever mathematics requirement that is, if that’s not relevant to your major. </p>

<p>So if you are taking a Calculus course at school, I suggest you take the test. There’s no harm in trying and then getting a 3 either. It won’t hurt you. BUT ALSO, it’s okay if you don’t take Calc during high school. You’ll just take it when you get to Barnard. I’m assuming your major isn’t hardcore math/science, so you’ll be mostly fine.</p>

<p>The usefulness of the English AP, I think, varies widely among schools… You should go to the Barnard website and check.</p>

3

<p>I’m actually thinking about going into architecture, but it’ll probably change.</p>

<p>thanks!</p>

4

<p>Depends. If the credit is very important to you, as in, if you want college credit and exemptions from specific courses, then I suggest you take the tests. If you get a 3, it’s no big deal. But trying your best isn’t gonna hurt you when it comes to AP exams.</p>

5

<p>Tangential question–how much does a poor AP score hurt in elite admissions?</p>

6

<p>@Keilexandra. None. You don’t have to report all your AP scores when you’re applying. Just list the ones you’d like to. (It’s all self-reported, not by the College Board. You only send in the official score report after you get admitted)</p>

7

<p>^ Cool. Although my school requires that everyone taking an AP class take the corresponding course, so an omitted score might be a red flag.</p>

8

<p>If you’re taking an AP course, it’d definitely look suspicious not to include the score, yes. (I forgot about that lol . Sorry)</p>