T-Minus 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... AP Scores!
For some bizarre reason, AP scores are released over a several day period, depending on where people live, but as of today, the vast majority of the scores have been released. There’s a lot to say about AP courses, but surprisingly the scores themselves are not nearly as important to the admissions process as one might think.
Many people argue that AP testing is a scam, and to a certain extent, I agree with them. The College Board does have a monopoly on the test and, of late, has been putting more onerous (SAT word!) requirements on teachers of AP courses. My wife teaches AP English, and I know the hurdles through which she has had to jump! There is also a certain extent to which how important the AP tests are is dependant on the school a student ends up going to. Some schools only give credit for certain exams, and some only give credit for perfect scores of 5, while others give credit for all scores of 3 and above.
However, are AP classes worth it? I think so, and here’s why:
1. You've challenged yourself.
College admissions officers like to see that students have challenged themselves. AP classes are, almost universally, the toughest class a student can take in high school. If you ask someone whether it’s better to get an A in a regular course or a B in an AP course, they’ll tell you to get an A in an AP course. But, in my experience, a B-range grade in AP is better than an A in a regular course, because colleges often adjust GPAs to reflect the fact that the course is harder.
2. You'll stand out.
If you take a test before your Senior year, those scores can be sent to colleges. This gives you an advantage over a student who doesn't have AP scores. Of course, if you get a 1 or 2 on the test (not “failing” grades, but certainly below average) you shouldn’t send the scores to schools. But, a 3 or better makes you look pretty good, and it’s the type of information that makes you stand out a bit over everyone else, since many schools don’t offer AP classes until Senior year.
3. It does, often, provide college credit.
If money is a factor for you, paying the $80 for a test is a lot cheaper than paying the $1,000+ you’ll spend on the three credits you would have to take for a course. Even if you haven’t done all that well in an AP class, it still might be worth it to take the test, just because you might luck out. I took 8 AP tests in history, English, economics, political science, and biology, even though literally none of my classes were AP courses, and I managed to get 24 credits applied to my degrees from the tests alone.
4. You can sometimes skip out on some introductory classes in college.
Lots of schools, for scores of 4 and 5, allow student to move out of freshman level classes in those subject areas. So, for example, a 5 on AP BC Calculus will allow a budding math major to skip the first, and sometimes second, semester of college calculus. I didn’t have to take biology or social science requirements in college for the same reason.
5. You can get better chance at top college housing.
The most useful thing the AP tests did for me was allow me to get a higher number in the housing lottery at my university, so that for my Junior and Senior years I had a penthouse view of the Manhattan skyline from what was widely considered to be the nicest dorm-room on campus.
Some schools are moving away from AP courses, and I understand that. Part of it has to do with availability of teachers, and part of it has to do with all the College Board’s new rules. But, if you can take a course, and you’re reasonably confident you’ll get a B- or better in it, sign up for it. And, while you’re at it, if you’re a Junior or younger, sign up for the SAT II subject test that corresponds to it, because if you’re prepared for the AP, chances are you’re prepared for the SAT II.
To those who have received scores on the AP tests this week, you have my congratulations or sympathies as necessary. Just remember that your work on one standardized test, no matter how important it might seem, will not define who you are, or make or break you in the college process. And, if you’re starting an AP class for next Fall, don’t forget to start on the summer work I’m sure you’ve been assigned. Finally, as ever, if you have more questions, feel free to reach out for a free half-hour consultation with me, and I’ll be happy to help.
Mr. K
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