<p>I guess I’m confused re: how they would know you took the test prematurely (and based on self-study), as I assume you will eventually take the class, thus your transcript will reflect the class and the AP test score. Apps provide data fields for entry of the test, date taken and score. I imagine the reader skims over the date except in the rare instance that the score is surprisingly low in comparision to an otherwise strong app, in which case they might take the time to do a date calculation to see if the applicant took that test as a freshman or sophomore. Note, also, it’s my understanding that many admission offices have support staff transfer data like test scores to the college’s own information mgt tool so that your application reader need only focus on your short answer, essays and other subjective entries.</p>