<p>I think the fact that APs are self-reported hints at their lack of importance. I mean, what would keep someone from lying? People are not required to send in score reports (most should not waste their money) to verify those scores, so their validity is just not up to admissions standards. </p>
<p>I think for top schools, it’s just not a priority. I guarantee based on their admissions philosophy and posts by MITChris, an admissions officer who is a mod on CC, MIT is not breaking “ties” based on AP and other test scores. It’s just something they don’t care about, it’s not their priority. Harvard is another school that is considering people based on extra-curriculars and hooks, not testing. Look at this article:</p>
<p>[Harvard</a> accepts a diverse class of 2015](<a href=“http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/03/harvard_accepts.html?comments=all]Harvard”>http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/03/harvard_accepts.html?comments=all)</p>
<p>Yeah, only 45% got 700 on one or more sections. For Harvard, that just doesn’t feel that impressive, considering that they could easily have a class that is 100% with those scores. But, that isn’t their desire. And, as far as tests for admissions, SAT is undoubtedly more important than AP.</p>
<p>I’m sorry to the OP, we’re kind of running wild with our posts, and they aren’t even about her question anymore.</p>