AP exams - how does score affect college admissions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.

This is your theory, but do you have any evidence that any colleges use AP scores this way?

NP: I have heard AO's at two top 15 universities claim that they are considered if submitted but otherwise they are not looking for scores to verify/support grades in AP classes. One AO implied that they are trained to be aware of bias when evaluating applications such as assuming students are able to afford to pay for multiple AP exams. At my son's school, you have to pay for exams or apply for a subsidy ($38 per exam)--there are no free exams besides the PSAT given to juniors and one free SAT for seniors.

What do you mean by "multiple AP exams?" Do you mean re-taking if you didn't like your previous score?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.

This is your theory, but do you have any evidence that any colleges use AP scores this way?

NP: I have heard AO's at two top 15 universities claim that they are considered if submitted but otherwise they are not looking for scores to verify/support grades in AP classes. One AO implied that they are trained to be aware of bias when evaluating applications such as assuming students are able to afford to pay for multiple AP exams. At my son's school, you have to pay for exams or apply for a subsidy ($38 per exam)--there are no free exams besides the PSAT given to juniors and one free SAT for seniors.

What do you mean by "multiple AP exams?" Do you mean re-taking if you didn't like your previous score?

Not pp but I took that to mean if you’re taking say four Ap classes junior year, you might not be able to afford all four exams so you pick and choose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.

This is your theory, but do you have any evidence that any colleges use AP scores this way?

NP: I have heard AO's at two top 15 universities claim that they are considered if submitted but otherwise they are not looking for scores to verify/support grades in AP classes. One AO implied that they are trained to be aware of bias when evaluating applications such as assuming students are able to afford to pay for multiple AP exams. At my son's school, you have to pay for exams or apply for a subsidy ($38 per exam)--there are no free exams besides the PSAT given to juniors and one free SAT for seniors.

What do you mean by "multiple AP exams?" Do you mean re-taking if you didn't like your previous score?

Not pp but I took that to mean if you’re taking say four Ap classes junior year, you might not be able to afford all four exams so you pick and choose.

OP here: yes, the AO was referring to students that take 4-5 AP classes in one year and may not be able to afford $350+ in exam fees in addition to application fees to apply for college. She made that point regarding juniors and seniors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.

The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

When I asked, the AO said they don't matter. I don't think that is assuming anything?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

Ah, ok. So your answer really just boils down to ~vibes~.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

When I asked, the AO said they don't matter. I don't think that is assuming anything?

Don’t complain if your child is rejected for “no discernible reason”.

I post to give parents a little clarity. But if you really really don’t want to believe me… think about who loses in this game. It’s not the candidate who submits strong scores, that’s for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

Ah, ok. So your answer really just boils down to ~vibes~.

https://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134916924/Amherst-Admissions-Process

Ms. CHRISTINA NUEVES (Committee Member): He's a valedictorian. Started taking APs his freshman year - fives in world history, bio and U.S. history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

When I asked, the AO said they don't matter. I don't think that is assuming anything?

Don’t complain if your child is rejected for “no discernible reason”.

I post to give parents a little clarity. But if you really really don’t want to believe me… think about who loses in this game. It’s not the candidate who submits strong scores, that’s for sure.

What kind of vibes are you getting about IB vs AP, if a student has the choice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.

Cite your sources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

When I asked, the AO said they don't matter. I don't think that is assuming anything?

Check out Sara Harberson’s info. She says even a 4 can hurt you sometimes at highly selective colleges. She talks about her experience as an AO at Penn and other places where AOs are basically looking for a reason to deny applications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.


The idea of using the scores to confirm the rigor of a course makes sense (and feels appropriate to me. It is hard to believe the class is rigorous if the kid gets an A then scores a 3 or less. How does that demonstrate mastery of content? And also, the idea behind AP is supposed to be some sort of national comparison basis.). But - do you have any evidence that college admissions officers look at AP scores? I have not heard any admissions officer say that they matter.

First, rid yourself of the idea that admissions officers tell you ALL the facts
Second, they cannot say AP scores matter a lot, because College Board is a private company and each AP exam costs $90, which is a barrier to entry for some families. This is the SAT/ACT is optional for most colleges.
But just because they can't tell you publicly that AP scores matter, doesn't mean they don't use them to select students.

Again, all assumptions, no evidence that this actually happens. I’m not saying it doesn’t—I don’t know!—but saying things knowingly/condescendingly isn’t proof.

Because I can't tell you everything that goes on behind closed doors. If you are a parent and talk to enough college counselors and admissions officers, you will notice a pattern in their answers. If you only talked to a couple, and didn't hear the words "Yes, we consider AP scores in our decisions! It's very important!"... please don't assume that an absence of a strong statement means AP scores are irrelevant.

Ah, ok. So your answer really just boils down to ~vibes~.

https://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134916924/Amherst-Admissions-Process

Ms. CHRISTINA NUEVES (Committee Member): He's a valedictorian. Started taking APs his freshman year - fives in world history, bio and U.S. history.

And yet he's waitlisted.

[Anonymous]

AP scores go a long way in validating the grade in the class. A "3" on the AP test and an "A" in the class -- that's doesn't look good. Mostly, that doesn't look good for the school, their class grade distributions may be suspect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The test scores don't matter for college acceptance. The test scores are only used, if you choose to submit, towards possible college credit. Most scores need to be 4 or 5 some will take a 3. You can look up on apcollegeboard to see what AP score a college will accept for what college course. Taking the class & the grade in the class are reviewed for rigor for college application.

So two separate things. The class/grade and; the test score. You can take the class without the test or the test can be taken without the class.

That's a misconception. The score DOES matter, because with grade inflation and pandemic cuts in instruction, colleges cannot be sure that the grade truly reflects mastery. I know some AP teachers in MCPS who significantly dumbed down their curriculum these past few years, and some who continued to hold their students to high standards. APs, like the SAT or ACT, are standardized, and therefore an excellent measure of a student's knowledge and understanding.

So if a significant number of students do not report their test scores, not reporting would be "neutral". However, there is a definite bump in academic strength if the student reports all 5s on AP exams. It proves mastery, and it's proof stronger than grades.

This is your theory, but do you have any evidence that any colleges use AP scores this way?

NP - I've said this on here before, but my DC didn't report all AP scores because s/he failed a number of them. Still accepted into top-25 university.