Do AP scores matter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t believe them when they say they don’t matter. Compare a test optional kid who also submits no AP scores with the one who submits a bunch of 4s and 5s. I think they take the latter. That said, last couple years I think they realize some kids probably didn’t sit for a lot of AP tests during the pandemic. But I’m not sure what best action is. Of course don’t send 1s or 2s. Probably not 3s. But it’ll be obvious I think if you take six APs before application time and only send 2 scores.

Maybe you only took those 2 exams, though?
Do you think a college will assume the worst-- that you took all exams and got sub 4 on the rest?

I’ve heard them claim they only look at what’s in the file and don’t make assumptions. I also heard a former AO say that’s not true. Consciously or not, you’re drawing some conclusions, even if it’s not an official policy to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t believe them when they say they don’t matter. Compare a test optional kid who also submits no AP scores with the one who submits a bunch of 4s and 5s. I think they take the latter. That said, last couple years I think they realize some kids probably didn’t sit for a lot of AP tests during the pandemic. But I’m not sure what best action is. Of course don’t send 1s or 2s. Probably not 3s. But it’ll be obvious I think if you take six APs before application time and only send 2 scores.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist. When a college says AP scores don't affect admissions, I take it at its word.

I guess the question is whether they still mean it. If they said it three years, before test optional, does it still hold today? I’m guessing often not.

I'll take what they're saying over your "guessing," I'd say. Even if what they're saying is a couple years old.

Really, the bottom line is that if you're applying to an extremely selective college and have a bunch of 5s on your exams, you report them. It can't hurt, and on the margins can help. But beyond that, the scores really don't matter, and if you don't report them it's just not going to matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you go to a school that doesn't offer AP classes, do you think taking the AP exam matters? (I'm asking for admission; I know that credit will vary by school)

I read somewhere once that admissions committee aren’t usually impressed by this - that they’d rather see you do something else with your time. But it was in the context of people trying to add on even more APs. Accumulating them for the sake of doing so. I think it could help support an application with a high score where APs aren’t offered at the school, especially if taking for a similar class actually enrolled in. I wouldn’t think it necessary for a top known private but helpful coming from a weaker school less familiar to admissions.

I agree with this. If your school doesn't have APs, colleges understand that so maybe don't even play that game and just focus on the hardest curriculum, GPA, SAT/ACT, EC.

On the plus side, though, colleges maybe wouldn't expect any AP exam scores, so DC could attempt them, and only send the 5s? Just my conjecture, though! Definitely discuss with your school counselor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t believe them when they say they don’t matter. Compare a test optional kid who also submits no AP scores with the one who submits a bunch of 4s and 5s. I think they take the latter. That said, last couple years I think they realize some kids probably didn’t sit for a lot of AP tests during the pandemic. But I’m not sure what best action is. Of course don’t send 1s or 2s. Probably not 3s. But it’ll be obvious I think if you take six APs before application time and only send 2 scores.

Maybe you only took those 2 exams, though?
Do you think a college will assume the worst-- that you took all exams and got sub 4 on the rest?

I’ve heard them claim they only look at what’s in the file and don’t make assumptions. I also heard a former AO say that’s not true. Consciously or not, you’re drawing some conclusions, even if it’s not an official policy to consider.

Thanks, that makes sense. Appreciate your perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is applying this year. She had more than one college say that in the age of test optional, they are looking more at APs because they provide objective standards. So submit strong scores (“scores that you believe reflect your achievement,” so something similar)

Of course, you don’t have to turn in AP Scores either. But an unhooked UMC kid with a high GPA and a bunch of APs, and no SAT/ACT or AP scores may have problems.

Name the schools, please. There's simply no reason to hide their names in anonymity. You wouldn't be outing yourself in any way, shape or form.

It is just so unhelpful for posters to say stuff like this without backing it up.

This is unnecessarily aggressive. I found the post helpful. I’d welcome the names of the school but the takeaway is still there. And I think it’s a point you’ll be hearing a lot more this year from more schools, though they may be reluctant to say it.

How is the takeaway there, exactly? Why is it so difficult to name the school on an anonymous forum? It's so interesting: on this thread we have posters who refuse to believe what colleges actually put on their websites about AP exams schools, yet when an anonymous poster says anonymous colleges are saying something different "the takeaway is still there." What is this, a QAnon thread? If you're going to offer as fact something that doesn't square with what's being publicly said, just back it up already. It's not that difficult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is applying this year. She had more than one college say that in the age of test optional, they are looking more at APs because they provide objective standards. So submit strong scores (“scores that you believe reflect your achievement,” so something similar)

Of course, you don’t have to turn in AP Scores either. But an unhooked UMC kid with a high GPA and a bunch of APs, and no SAT/ACT or AP scores may have problems.

Name the schools, please. There's simply no reason to hide their names in anonymity. You wouldn't be outing yourself in any way, shape or form.

It is just so unhelpful for posters to say stuff like this without backing it up.

This is unnecessarily aggressive. I found the post helpful. I’d welcome the names of the school but the takeaway is still there. And I think it’s a point you’ll be hearing a lot more this year from more schools, though they may be reluctant to say it.

How is the takeaway there, exactly? Why is it so difficult to name the school on an anonymous forum? It's so interesting: on this thread we have posters who refuse to believe what colleges actually put on their websites about AP exams schools, yet when an anonymous poster says anonymous colleges are saying something different "the takeaway is still there." What is this, a QAnon thread? If you're going to offer as fact something that doesn't square with what's being publicly said, just back it up already. It's not that difficult.

If you only want on the record info, stick to the college websites and stay off this board. Some posters here spend a lot of time talking to AOs, listening to their podcasts, etc. Sometimes the private conversations feel more like on background conversations. Or you can’t remember which school. I was on an alumni only chat with the admissions dean from my Ivy. I saw several reports on here of a tidbit thrown out and no one gave up the source. That’s not to say everything on here is credible. It’s not. But if you want vetted news, this isn’t for you and no one owes you anything here. I’m thankful when people share. I use my own filters to decide what’s likely credible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is applying this year. She had more than one college say that in the age of test optional, they are looking more at APs because they provide objective standards. So submit strong scores (“scores that you believe reflect your achievement,” so something similar)

Of course, you don’t have to turn in AP Scores either. But an unhooked UMC kid with a high GPA and a bunch of APs, and no SAT/ACT or AP scores may have problems.

Name the schools, please. There's simply no reason to hide their names in anonymity. You wouldn't be outing yourself in any way, shape or form.

It is just so unhelpful for posters to say stuff like this without backing it up.

This is unnecessarily aggressive. I found the post helpful. I’d welcome the names of the school but the takeaway is still there. And I think it’s a point you’ll be hearing a lot more this year from more schools, though they may be reluctant to say it.

How is the takeaway there, exactly? Why is it so difficult to name the school on an anonymous forum? It's so interesting: on this thread we have posters who refuse to believe what colleges actually put on their websites about AP exams schools, yet when an anonymous poster says anonymous colleges are saying something different "the takeaway is still there." What is this, a QAnon thread? If you're going to offer as fact something that doesn't square with what's being publicly said, just back it up already. It's not that difficult.

If you only want on the record info, stick to the college websites and stay off this board. Some posters here spend a lot of time talking to AOs, listening to their podcasts, etc. Sometimes the private conversations feel more like on background conversations. Or you can’t remember which school. I was on an alumni only chat with the admissions dean from my Ivy. I saw several reports on here of a tidbit thrown out and no one gave up the source. That’s not to say everything on here is credible. It’s not. But if you want vetted news, this isn’t for you and no one owes you anything here. I’m thankful when people share. I use my own filters to decide what’s likely credible.

First of all, screw you. I can do whatever I want. Second of all, I'm doing as much of a service to other posters, particularly ones who are new to the process, in reminding readings what the colleges are actually saying and advising them to take what's offered without any back up with a grain of salt.

[Anonymous]

sorry for my typos in the previous post. it's just so frustrating when posters spread rumors, don't back them up, and then suggested that they have an "in" because it's "my Ivy." spare me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Colleges really want you to take AP classes if they're offered at your school and get good grades in them. And it certainly doesn't hurt if you also do really well on the AP exams themselves and let colleges know your scores.

The overwhelming majority of colleges will tell you, though, the scores themselves have little or no impact on college admissions. And how could they, anyway? Most students will have taken half or more of their AP classes in the senior year, and won't have scores on any of those exams until well after they've already been admitted to college.

No true. Colleges want you to take the highest level courses you're capable of being successful in (A or B grade usually), and would wonder why you're taking AP classes if you're getting a C or below a 3 on the exam. And in some high schools, the most advanced kids have already taken 5-10 AP classes by the end of 11th grade. Colleges will absolutely be interested in how well students do on those exams.

What's your source?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid is applying this year. She had more than one college say that in the age of test optional, they are looking more at APs because they provide objective standards. So submit strong scores (“scores that you believe reflect your achievement,” so something similar)

Of course, you don’t have to turn in AP Scores either. But an unhooked UMC kid with a high GPA and a bunch of APs, and no SAT/ACT or AP scores may have problems.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:sorry for my typos in the previous post. it's just so frustrating when posters spread rumors, don't back them up, and then suggested that they have an "in" because it's "my Ivy." spare me.

“ I only recommend that students self-report these scores if it can help them. If you are applying to highly selective colleges, they like to see 5s on AP exams. Getting a 4 is okay in their eyes, but I have been part of admissions committees where the student gets a 4, especially in a subject matter they plan to pursue, and that's enough of a reason for that student to be denied. ”

https://www.saraharberson.com/blog/ap-scores-report-to-colleges

Now I’ll go screw myself, as you so elegantly suggested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seeing a lot of questions about APs, probably because it's course selection time for next year at a lot of schools. Thought I would throw mine on the pile.

Do colleges care about AP scores? I have heard people say, "Oh they don't really look at them." Is that true? Do you just not put the scores on the application, not send a score report? Does the college find that strange or frown upon it? Is it a red flag, or, if grades and SAT/ACT are strong it doesn't seem to matter? And if they haven't cared in the past, will they care more now that SAT II is no longer a thing?

We're just starting our AP journey, so knowing this would be very helpful in terms of making good curriculum decisions. We have been looking at the class options and assuming the test would be taken and the score would matter. But if not.... perhaps that changes things somewhat. TIA!

I have no way to verify what is true, but I was told that colleges care about how well you did in the class, but not how you score on the tests. That does not make sense to me, but the reason is that many kids cannot afford the $100/test you have to pay to the college board to take the test, and many school districts do not subsidize them.

Maybe colleges pay attention to the specific school. I know DCPS subsidizes all the AP tests, so maybe they will find it odd that a DCPS kid has not taken the test vs. another school district where they know the kid has to pay out-of-pocket.

Again, do not know what to believe but at least some rationale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:sorry for my typos in the previous post. it's just so frustrating when posters spread rumors, don't back them up, and then suggested that they have an "in" because it's "my Ivy." spare me.

“ I only recommend that students self-report these scores if it can help them. If you are applying to highly selective colleges, they like to see 5s on AP exams. Getting a 4 is okay in their eyes, but I have been part of admissions committees where the student gets a 4, especially in a subject matter they plan to pursue, and that's enough of a reason for that student to be denied. ”

https://www.saraharberson.com/blog/ap-scores-report-to-colleges

Now I’ll go screw myself, as you so elegantly suggested.

What you've just posted supports my point of view as much as yours, if not more.

Here's a link to the most recently available NACAC report with the results of a comprehensive survey of college admissions officers on what they consider important in evaluating applicants. In order of importance, they identify:

Grades in all courses
Grades in college prep courses
SAT or ACT scores
Strength of curriculum
Essay
Counselor recommendation
Demonstrated interest
Teacher recommendation
Class rank
Extracurricular activities
AP/IB test scores

Only 4.2 percent of colleges surveyed attached "considerable importance" to AP or IB test scores -- as opposed to 81 percent attaching such importance to grades and 52 percent to SAT or ACT scores.

To suggest that colleges have now dramatically increased the importance of AP scores since going test optional is counter-intuitive. If anything, the opposite is true.

Yes, if you're applying to Princeton and have all 5s on your AP exams, you should by all means submit them. There's not earthly reason not to. But to advise anxious parents and students who are new to this process that AP scores are a major part of the admissions process or have become more important in the recent test optional climate is simply not supported by available evidence.

https://www.nacacnet.org/globalassets/documents/publications/research/2018_soca/soca18.pdf

[Anonymous]

Admissions folks really don't spend that much time on your application--it's fine if you don't take or report the test, they are not going to be cross-matching when you took a particular AP and the score you got on it. What usually matters is the rigor of the course you took and the grade on your app. If the AO says it is not a factor in admissions, it is not a factor in admissions. The applications go through their own formatting process at most schools where they give course rigor scores, normalize GPAs, etc. These processes are audited and they have to report what they consider on the CDS.

AP/IB exam scores are usually channeled just to the registration so that you can get credit.

[Anonymous]

OP, another thing to consider beyond AP scores and admission, is whether the scores would count for credits at your DC's future college/university. My DC's college accepts up to AP or IB 4 credits. You can usually find a section on a school's website about what classes and scores are accepted.