4s on APs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Colleges are not basing admissions on AP scores.

Why are AP classes not showing on transcripts? Wouldn't you be better off with the college knowing you took AP classes, especially if you have a high GPA? They aren't going to ask for your AP scores unless you're requesting credits and waivers from required classes - after you're admitted.

Lots of privates have no AP classes. All classes are rigorous, at honors level, but dont align to AP curricula enough to be "AP classes" ie they dont teach to the test.

Our public doesn’t teach to the test either, but they still call it AP. They definitely do not cover all of the material and it always requires additional self study to get a 5. Some classes the teachers say this upfront but others just never get to all of the AP material.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the AP class is on your kids transcript, they should send a 4/5 or the school will assume they got a 3 or lower.

+1
This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private school kid - no AP classes on transcript.

- Has a high SAT (1550)
- GPA that's a little lower (top 25% of strong class, where top 20% go to HYP).

The counselor says 4s are great and send them to all. I'm wary about this new 25-yo counselor anyway, I admit, but I think they should only go to targets and safeties. I think 4s back up the GPA and make the SAT look like a fluke/super prepped. To her credit, I am seeing people online also sayings 4s should go everywhere.

what says DCUM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m choosing to believe the admissions officer who told my kid to her face that they look at AP scores when they don’t have SAT/ACT scores. That was last fall, less than a year ago. If your idea that AP scores don’t matter is older than that, maybe be open to the idea that this is a new development for the TO era.

This. And Emory dean has discussed this on the record.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think I’d submit the 4s if you’re at a known, well-regarded private like Sidwell. If you’re at a pretty unknown or not high caliber private, then I probably would to some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m choosing to believe the admissions officer who told my kid to her face that they look at AP scores when they don’t have SAT/ACT scores. That was last fall, less than a year ago. If your idea that AP scores don’t matter is older than that, maybe be open to the idea that this is a new development for the TO era.

what school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think I’d submit the 4s if you’re at a known, well-regarded private like Sidwell. If you’re at a pretty unknown or not high caliber private, then I probably would to some.

Really? Why? Is a 4 that bad?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think I’d submit the 4s if you’re at a known, well-regarded private like Sidwell. If you’re at a pretty unknown or not high caliber private, then I probably would to some.

Really? Why? Is a 4 that bad?

No. But they’re weaker than the very high SaT score.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think I’d submit the 4s if you’re at a known, well-regarded private like Sidwell. If you’re at a pretty unknown or not high caliber private, then I probably would to some.

It also depends on the AP.... some are much harder and have fewer 5s and 4s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think I’d submit the 4s if you’re at a known, well-regarded private like Sidwell. If you’re at a pretty unknown or not high caliber private, then I probably would to some.

Really? Why? Is a 4 that bad?

A 5 is not viewed by AOs as different from a 4. A 3 yes. But a 4 or 5 is viewed exactly the same even for those that care. There is no boost from a 5 that a 4 will not get you.

[Anonymous]

Agreed. I've had 2 go through this process in 2 years and watched them and a few dozen of their friends. AP scores of 4 vs 5 do not matter for top20 schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Colleges are not basing admissions on AP scores.

Why are AP classes not showing on transcripts? Wouldn't you be better off with the college knowing you took AP classes, especially if you have a high GPA? They aren't going to ask for your AP scores unless you're requesting credits and waivers from required classes - after you're admitted.

Lots of privates have no AP classes. All classes are rigorous, at honors level, but dont align to AP curricula enough to be "AP classes" ie they dont teach to the test.

Yeah, ok. No APs on transcript because there are no APs taken. Are you saying these students take AP exams on their own? That would actually answer my question. But are colleges asking for these scores from students at these schools?

Our private, which is the most academically rigorous in our city, tells kids to take APs even in classes which are not offered as APs because kids do well on the tests. Private colleges, in particular, like to see the scores.

[Anonymous]

My kid has a top 5% GPA at her large public and a 1510. She got some 4’s and some 5’s. It had not occurred to me not to send the 4’s.

[Anonymous]

If you're at a private school that does not offer AP classes, you don't have to send any AP scores. No one will expect you to take them. Many private schools don't even offer AP tests onsite so where would you take them?

[Anonymous]

If the classes are on your transcript and you don’t send, AO might assume your score was mot strong enough to share. I would send if a a 4 or higher.