AP classes or AP exams

[Anonymous]

When someone says 10-14 APs, does it mean they actually did the AP exams? Or just the class.

If exams, then what score would qualify as ‘doing an AP’?

I ask because private schools no longer teach AP classes, is it ok to self study and get a 3? Or is that not worth the effort.

[Anonymous]

What is your goal? You can get credit for a 3 at some schools, but not all (even a 5 won't get credit at all schools). Self study won't increase your gpa, but colleges know that your school doesn't weight gpa. If you do well, it would show initiative, but what else could you do with that time?

[Anonymous]

Classes. But sending 4s and 5s can add to your overall admissions portfolio.

[Anonymous]

If you go to a school that does not offer AP classes, there is no need to take the exams unless you are seeking credit.

[Anonymous]

a 3 is a pass, or the equivalent of a "C" grade, 4 is "B" and 5 is "A"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you go to a school that does not offer AP classes, there is no need to take the exams unless you are seeking credit.

or admission to an overseas university.

[Anonymous]

classes.

exams are optional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:classes.

exams are optional.

If you take the AP class, taking the exam is required at many schools.

[Anonymous]

The exam is valuable as a standardized national score. OP - your school can give you advice about which AP exams your child will be prepared to take, based on their coursework. Don't spend a ton of time doing outside studying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:classes.

exams are optional.

If you take the AP class, taking the exam is required at many schools.

yes, this is true. At our public HS the students do not get the 1pt GPA bump if they don't also take the exam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:a 3 is a pass, or the equivalent of a "C" grade, 4 is "B" and 5 is "A"

D/C/B at the top tier academic schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you go to a school that does not offer AP classes, there is no need to take the exams unless you are seeking credit.

If you don't standardize test, you are leaning hard on the college AOs faith in the reputation of your school.

[Anonymous]

Our private doesn't offer APs. My DC has independently studied for and taken the test for AP Calc, AP English, AP History and AP Biology, with scores of 4 or 5, just to be able to demonstrate rigor and give an additional data point for applications. YMMV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:a 3 is a pass, or the equivalent of a "C" grade, 4 is "B" and 5 is "A"

D/C/B at the top tier academic schools

Not true. I taught at a T10 and am currently at a T30. We used the same scale: 3=C, 4=B, 5=A. The decision to not accept 3s and some 4s is based on other academic factors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:a 3 is a pass, or the equivalent of a "C" grade, 4 is "B" and 5 is "A"

D/C/B at the top tier academic schools

No, this is not correct. Universally considered A/B/C
Which is why they are accepted at UK universities who often want to see multiple 5's in the exams.