We already know that our S19 won’t be taking most of his AP tests as a senior. He will take the AP French test since it looks like most of the schools on his college list will allow him to pass out of foreign language requirements with a 4 or a 5. He’s taking his tests this year because we are hoping for good scores and he can self report them on his applications as another data point.
In some cases, like AP Lang, he could maybe pass out of a course, but we prefer he take the writing courses in college. And, for math, he is taking that BC Calc test this year for reasons stated above but we will have him take a math placement test wherever he goes to college so he ends up in the right class for him. He’s only taking one AP science class (Physics 1) and my understanding is that class doesn’t usually count for college credit so he won’t take that AP test at all senior year. (Kids usually need AP Physics C in order to get any college credit but our school requires AP Physics 1 as a prerequisite so he just won’t get to the C class.)
We know a ton of seniors this year going to top 20 schools who are choosing not to take their APs. It’s all good. I actually think looking ahead at how his possible colleges’ consider AP credit has been very helpful. And it’s relieved some stress for him knowing ahead of time that he’s only taking the one AP French test next year (even though he’s taking four AP classes).