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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]At the time a senior applies they will have 3 YEARS of grades and ECs, they will have test scores, letters of recommendations, and  essays. Let’s say they also have UW 4.0, a rigorous course load and 1550/35+  In holistic admissions, with all that information, why on earth would an admissions committee look at how student performed on a single exam they took in a couple of hours on a day they may or may not have been at their best and scored a 4 vs a 5 as indicative of anything meaningful that overrides all the other data.

Aside from contextual insight,  I don’t see how AP scores add much analytically (notwithstanding Yale’s text flexible approach) All the other info matters far more.

“This student is wonderful….but they got a 4 in APUSH when they were 14 or 15 years old…if only I didn’t see that score….sigh”.

I don’t see that happening.

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I can tell you why they look at it. For kids who have an A+ in AP Chemistry and then get a 2 on the AP Chem test - well, that puts the students entire transcript in doubt.  So would a 3.  Would a 4?  Yes, imo.

Now, an A- in AP Chem and a 4 on the test makes sense. And if the kid is applying to college as a History major, who cares anyway. But if they're applying pre-med and this is a T10 school - then the college will wonder what hope this kid has in Organic Chem, where half their A/5 kids struggle.

If the kid has a 1550/35+, why introduce any of this doubt?

If you're talking about a T50 school, then sure. [/quote]

AOs have neither the time nor the inclination to look at a AP class score and compare to the AP test score.  And there is no data that would suggest that getting a 4 means that someone will perform lower in Organic Chemistry.  In other words no data to suggest that a 5 is any better than a 4 or a 3 frankly.  That is a point you are making up.  It is a test on one day.  My DD had a stomach bug before the Chem AP test.  She got a 5 but expected a 3 or a 4.  Even for top 10 you are reading too much into the value of the scores.  If there are 8 APs and there are 5 or 6 5s and the rest 4s -- submit.[/quote]

I agree.  If they were that concerned, any AP taken senior year would be a question mark versus a plus.  They have no idea what the test scores will be.  Calc BC, Chem, Physics C senior year would all be wildcards.

There are so many reasons for a poor one and done test showing for an otherwise good student, let alone a 4, when 3 is designed to be 'passing' for credit according to College Board.  Many of the schools take 4s for some credit or advance placement.  For those that don't, they have their entry level classes.  Why even have these classes if the assumption is that all the students should test out?

These schools don't dismiss less than perceived perfection. In fact, they may even be wary of it.   On so many tours, I hear about mental health and wellness services.  1580+ SAT, 10 APs all 5s, etc may actually drive a closer look to make sure they seem like balanced individual. They may even look to avoid too many with this profile when shaping a class. 
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