Taking ap classes in the year of applying?

Applying to College
1

Hi everyone,

I’m currently on a gap year. I graduated from high school this past month and will be applying to colleges this fall. Unfortunately, my school didn’t offer any AP or A Level courses, so I wasn’t able to take any during high school, and I now regret not having those academic challenges reflected on my transcript.

That said, I’m planning to take a few AP exams or A Levels independently this year to show that I’m continuing to challenge myself academically. A company that sponsors my startup has even offered to cover the exam fees, which makes this more feasible.

My question is: when applying, is it okay to self-report the exams I plan to take, even if I haven’t taken them yet? I already have my final transcript from high school, but I still want colleges to see that I’m committed to growth and academic rigor during my gap year.

I know this might be an unusual situation, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on how admissions officers might view this.

2

Yes. But you may be overestimating the impact they will have on an application. In general, “things I’m gonna do” is down at the bottom of things important for admissions.

Additionally, US universities don’t expect AP exams when the school doesn’t offer the courses.

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thank you so much for answering! that’s my concern too, i thought the same since my school doesn’t offer them i thought it wouldn’t have a big impact but i’m an international student, and all these students in private feeder schools in my country are taking ap/ib + some public schools are also offering ap classes so even students from public schools are taking aps but again my school doesn’t offer any..

So, will admissions officers consider me in the context of my high school or my region/country?

4

Both. But for academic coursework, it’s in the context of your school

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I don’t see any advantage of taking AP exams as the results will not be out before admission decisions come out. I’d imagine your time could be better spent elsewhere.

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6

alright thank you so much i hope i won’t get rejected because of this..

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oh okay thank you

8

If you get rejected, and I certainly hope you don’t, that won’t be the reason. Good luck.

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I would dissent to say that the exams could be worthwhile, if they could give you placement/credit at your eventual college. This can be a large time and money savings in the long run (was for all three of my kids).

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Agree if the OP is looking for college credit.

I read the post as the OP asking if self-studying AP exams the year of applying would prove/enhance their academic rigor in the application process.

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