Only report 5s on application to UVA, Michigan, UCLA?

[Anonymous]

I can't speak to Michigan and UVA, but UCs consider AP scores in the application process, and they look for academic rigor, like most T50s, as well.

For UCLA, the AO will emphasize the sophomore and junior transcript and see AP classes. If you don't submit scores, I would be fearful of the negative conclusions that the AO might draw.

I also suggest that you go and look at the admissions criteria for UCLA, and determine the weight that you think UCLA gives to AP scores:

https://admission.ucla.edu/apply/first-year/first-year-requirements/application-review-process

You might also look at the general 13 guidelines for all UCs:

https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/how-applications-are-reviewed.html

My impression is that the submission of AP scores is *surprise* contextual in relation to the rest of the application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at each schools credit policy -- if they would give credit for the score, report it. For example, UVA gives credit for 4 and 5 on most exams, and in some cases a 3. In fact, there is not a single exam for which you can't get some credit for a 4. Why would you not report something they themselves think is good enough for credit at their school?

100%! This. We reported 4s/5s to UVA and UMICH and got in just fine to both. This is not a big deal to them I wish people would stop saying it was. Sure maybe for their top honors programs or something, but not general admittance.

[Anonymous]

My kid got into UVA, Michigan and UCLA this year (and Berkeley too) and reported five 4s and two 5's.
This is a kid with no hooks from an upper middle class, competitive high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UVA admissions does not care one iota about AP exam scores.

And you know this because you are in UVA admissions right?

[Anonymous]

My son didn't report AP scores in 2023 and he was admitted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UVA admissions does not care one iota about AP exam scores.

And you know this because you are in UVA admissions right?

Here’s a recent response by Dean J to this question on Reddit:

1y ago
how much do ap scores matter? i have all 4s except for one 5 in AP Lang and am not sure of what to submit

UVaDeanj
•
1y ago
Peabody Hall
Sustained classroom performance will always be more compelling than a test score for admission purposes.

You can opt not to use testing on your application, but still submit scores for credit if you are admitted and decide to enroll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they see the APs on the transcript and no score reported, they could assume you really bombed it. I would absolutely include 4s.

This. They see you took an AP class. Don't report the score and they know you didn't get a 5 so it means a 4 AT BEST or you did not bother taking it because you knew the class was too easy and you'd likely not do well. I can see not reporting a lower score, but you lose nothing by reporting a 4.

[Anonymous]

My DC just graduated from UM and didn’t report all AP scores, as this is a smart, but lazy kid. Reported 3-4 4s out of 9, as bombed the rest. 34 ACT because it counted.

[Anonymous]

Reported AP scores to UVA last year: 8 exams, 5 5s and 3 4s, admitted OOS. About 100 kids applied from our school and 11 were admitted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reported AP scores to UVA last year: 8 exams, 5 5s and 3 4s, admitted OOS. About 100 kids applied from our school and 11 were admitted.

What state?!

[Anonymous]

Include 4s and 5s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they see the APs on the transcript and no score reported, they could assume you really bombed it. I would absolutely include 4s.

This. They see you took an AP class. Don't report the score and they know you didn't get a 5 so it means a 4 AT BEST or you did not bother taking it because you knew the class was too easy and you'd likely not do well. I can see not reporting a lower score, but you lose nothing by reporting a 4.

A lot of kids take the class but not the exam, so if a kid reports good grades on the AP class but no score, there's room for doubt, despite the possibility of grade inflation. However, I agree that there's no downside to reporting a 4.