Online AP Class - Explain a 3 on the AP Exam or Leave It Out?

[Anonymous]

My child has very high stats and is applying to several T20 schools. They took an AP class online in junior year, and the transcript (FCPS) shows it was online. They earned an A in the class but got a 3 on the AP exam. All other AP scores are 4/5. The online course surprised us and didn’t cover all of the course material.

Worried about leaving the score off entirely. Should my teen report the 3 and provide context in the Additional Information section?

Or best to just report the score without comment? If an AO is looking at it closely, the transcript gives the information that the class was online (and they can assume it was less comprehensive as a result)?

[Anonymous]

My ‘24 kid had all 4’s and 5’s. At the time we researched and couldn’t get a clear answer on whether to be even submit the 4’s. One “expert” said 4’s are a red flag and others said leaving out would make assume worse. They ended up tailoring each application to only the ones that the school accepted (ivies and T15) and showed the 5’s only. Seems now people would say this wasn’t the way, but posting as it didn’t hurt. They did very well in admissions unhooked.

[Anonymous]

Adding, I wouldn’t comment on a 3, I’d leave off before I drew more attention to it with an explanation especially if taken online.

[Anonymous]

OMG report the three.

[Anonymous]

If you don't report it, they will assume it was a 3 or lower.

So just go ahead and report the 3. It honestly will make no difference. They really don't care about AP test scores.

[Anonymous]

You just don’t report it or explain it.

There are many people that take AP classes but don’t take the test, with the cost of the test the most easy explanation (if you even needed one).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don't report it, they will assume it was a 3 or lower.

So just go ahead and report the 3. It honestly will make no difference. They really don't care about AP test scores.

I disagree, especially with an online, some take classes and never take the test. A 3 is going no favors.

[Anonymous]

Think of that AO having 4 minute reading your application, do you want any of those seconds taken with explaining a 3?

[Anonymous]

Honestly, the picture presented is that your kid cheated their way through the online class. Did enough looking up answers/generating text at key moments to get an A in the class, but as a result, didn’t learn the content fully enough to get a 5 on the exam.

Or that they’re not good at independent study. Fine when a teacher is spoon-feeding them the content, but not able to dive deep and make connections on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, the picture presented is that your kid cheated their way through the online class. Did enough looking up answers/generating text at key moments to get an A in the class, but as a result, didn’t learn the content fully enough to get a 5 on the exam.

Or that they’re not good at independent study. Fine when a teacher is spoon-feeding them the content, but not able to dive deep and make connections on their own.

This is a ridiculous comment. Truly. Disregard OP.

[Anonymous]

do not report the 3.

it likely won't even be clocked by reader.

they dont match class to test

[Anonymous]

What information would he put to explain it? "I didn't study sufficiently and am blaming the teacher" isn't a great explanation. Report or don't report, but don't make excuses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:do not report the 3.

it likely won't even be clocked by reader.

they dont match class to test

Exactly, you’re drawing attention to a negative for no reason. They don’t have time to cross-check, they are looking at what is there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What information would he put to explain it? "I didn't study sufficiently and am blaming the teacher" isn't a great explanation. Report or don't report, but don't make excuses.

+1 what on earth would you even explain?

Timmy was super tired that day?

[Anonymous]

I would do everything possible to draw attention away from this class.

AOs are probably aware of this hack to boost a GPA, especially at some FCPS schools. Don’t highlight anything good or bad about the class and certainly don’t report the test score of a 3. Tell the school counselor to not mention the online class in their letter.