<p>Quite common, thousands of students lump in AP exams, to earn credits, to reduce payment, to show how strong they are in particular subjects, to follow the croud…
whatever!</p>
<p>What I’m thinking about is that, suppose I get 5 in AP Calculus, and I can be exempted from taking some kinds of benchmarks.</p>
<p>BUT, is there anything I can only learn in college courses(including seminars, assignment finishing etc.), and if I skip them, I’ll lose a lot though I can master all the strategies in it?</p>
<p>HUNGRY for your opinions!!</p>
<p>I think it really depends on your major. If you plan to major in math or something, I would not suggest opting out of Calc but rather a class like US History or something. That way you can skip a required elective and lessen the stress on your schedule. And then if you re-take Calc it will help towards your major and you may learn new things. Or you can completely ace it and it will be great for your gpa. haha pretty much I would say not to opt out of classes that are necessary for a major and skip classes that would count as an elective/ have nothing to do with your major.
I hope this helps!</p>
<p>Do you have doubts about a particular class/subject? If so, then by all means consider retaking it. Scoring a 5 on the AP exam should mean you are fine to move on to the next level. This has been my experience. </p>
<p>The University’s policy on AP credit is wonderful. It is allowing me to pursue two degrees in two very different areas, and do it all within a standard 4 year time frame.</p>
<p>One of the things that UMD looks at is whether you took the most “rigorous” classes offered by your high school. If you are a really good student and are far above the average GPA and SAT scores, it can make a difference on the amount of merit aid you get. DDs used AP credit and did not “miss” anything, in Physics, math, or foreign languages…</p>