As and Bs in AP course but 2s and 3s on tests

[Anonymous]

There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

[Anonymous]

My DS took 6 AP courses but only took two exams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

It matters in schools where AP tests are required. The assumption if not submitting is that your score is low. If another student submits their scores and you do not, it doesn't look good for you. However, if you are not required to take AP tests, there is no point in submitting it to the college unless you don't have any other test scores to submit or you have 5's across the board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS took 6 AP courses but only took two exams.

Great for your kid, but my kid doesn't have the option to not take the exams. They are required and it states that on the school profile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

This is just one person's opinion. Repeating it doesn't make it any more interesting, or convincing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

This is just one person's opinion. Repeating it doesn't make it any more interesting, or convincing.

+1 There is zero evidence or information in that uninformed blah blah blah of "nothing matters." I don't know why people post stuff like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

This is just one person's opinion. Repeating it doesn't make it any more interesting, or convincing.

+1. Even if we grant that the majority of colleges don't care about AP tests for admissions, and they won't matter for most students (which is probably true), the overwhelming majority of DCUM posters have kids who are applying to T50/T25 schools, all of which may weight APs differently. It's not in anyone's interest to make a blanket statement "AP scores don't matter" unless you're trying to sabotage people. Sometimes they matter, sometimes they don't. And even if they didn't matter a few years ago, they may matter now. If you have heard recent adcoms advise that they don't care, and not to bother submitting, then by all means please share that info and mention the specific school. That would be very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Also, I realize OP said they weren't targeting elite schools, but not sure what she meant by this. Even non T25 schools are more selective these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

It matters in schools where AP tests are required. The assumption if not submitting is that your score is low. If another student submits their scores and you do not, it doesn't look good for you. However, if you are not required to take AP tests, there is no point in submitting it to the college unless you don't have any other test scores to submit or you have 5's across the board.

Huh? What AMERICAN college requires anyone to submit AP test scores as part of an admissions application?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

This is just one person's opinion. Repeating it doesn't make it any more interesting, or convincing.

It’s not an opinion. It’s a statement of fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

This is just one person's opinion. Repeating it doesn't make it any more interesting, or convincing.

+1. Even if we grant that the majority of colleges don't care about AP tests for admissions, and they won't matter for most students (which is probably true), the overwhelming majority of DCUM posters have kids who are applying to T50/T25 schools, all of which may weight APs differently. It's not in anyone's interest to make a blanket statement "AP scores don't matter" unless you're trying to sabotage people. Sometimes they matter, sometimes they don't. And even if they didn't matter a few years ago, they may matter now. If you have heard recent adcoms advise that they don't care, and not to bother submitting, then by all means please share that info and mention the specific school. That would be very helpful.

You quoted me as saying “AP scores don’t matter.” Please show me where I said that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

It matters in schools where AP tests are required. The assumption if not submitting is that your score is low. If another student submits their scores and you do not, it doesn't look good for you. However, if you are not required to take AP tests, there is no point in submitting it to the college unless you don't have any other test scores to submit or you have 5's across the board.

Huh? What AMERICAN college requires anyone to submit AP test scores as part of an admissions application?

GEORGETOWN

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

It matters in schools where AP tests are required. The assumption if not submitting is that your score is low. If another student submits their scores and you do not, it doesn't look good for you. However, if you are not required to take AP tests, there is no point in submitting it to the college unless you don't have any other test scores to submit or you have 5's across the board.

Huh? What AMERICAN college requires anyone to submit AP test scores as part of an admissions application?

GEORGETOWN

Nope. Georgetown encourages but does NOT require that AP exam scores be submitted as part of the application. On the other hand, it DOES require SAT and ACT scores, and not only that requires the submission of ALL results for all SAT and ACT tests taken. So, even Georgetown, which is notoriously strict about testing requirements, places less of an emphasis on AP exam scores that the SAT or ACT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

It matters in schools where AP tests are required. The assumption if not submitting is that your score is low. If another student submits their scores and you do not, it doesn't look good for you. However, if you are not required to take AP tests, there is no point in submitting it to the college unless you don't have any other test scores to submit or you have 5's across the board.

A couple of examples: UCs consider AP tests as it is test blind.

NYU is test optional and allows applicants to substitute 3 AP exam results in specified areas to substitute for the SAT/ACT. NYU probably otherwise considers them for admission as well if submitted, although it isn't clear from the website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There really is just no dissuading DCUM that AP exam score have little to no impact on college admissions for the overwhelming majority of students applying to the overwhelming majority of American colleges. DCUM parents are just so desperate for an edge and so hyper consumed with the process that they will grasp at any straw that they think benefits their kid and will draw "cause and effect" conclusions without any real knowledge or proof that the scores had any impact whatsoever ("my kid got 5s and was accepted at X college").

It doesn't matter that outside of a few rare instances adcoms make clear that the scores carry little weight, it doesn't matter that top colleges are full of students who either didn't take or report any AP test scores, it doesn't matter that probably half of AP tests are taken by seniors after students are already admitted to colleges, and it doesn't matter that the expressly stated purpose of the tests is college credit and not college admissions. None of it matters.

It matters in schools where AP tests are required. The assumption if not submitting is that your score is low. If another student submits their scores and you do not, it doesn't look good for you. However, if you are not required to take AP tests, there is no point in submitting it to the college unless you don't have any other test scores to submit or you have 5's across the board.

Huh? What AMERICAN college requires anyone to submit AP test scores as part of an admissions application?

GEORGETOWN

Nope. Georgetown encourages but does NOT require that AP exam scores be submitted as part of the application. On the other hand, it DOES require SAT and ACT scores, and not only that requires the submission of ALL results for all SAT and ACT tests taken. So, even Georgetown, which is notoriously strict about testing requirements, places less of an emphasis on AP exam scores that the SAT or ACT.

Can you cite?