While we don’t yet know exactly which schools will continue with their test optional policies into next year, we know that the test optional movement and the testing landscape shakeup isn’t going anywhere soon. This has led to a lot of new questions about AP exams. Our team answers below!
Are APs actually important in the college admissions process?
They can be, yes! If we take a step back, let’s remember that standardized testing in general is there to support the story a student’s transcript tells. Ultimately, admissions officers are using a student’s grades, course selection (i.e. level of rigor), and, if available, testing to make the determination whether that student can thrive at their institution. AP exams can be helpful in providing more information to help make that determination. A student who takes AP exams and gets 4s or 5s is sending a strong message about their readiness for college-level coursework.
Colleges may especially note this in subjects that relate to a student’s area of interest—for example, a great score on AP Bio or AP Chemistry might benefit a pre-med applicant, or AP Physics or AP Calc could be important for a future engineer. A student interested in politics and government who rocks the AP US exam is emphasizing their interest and engagement; a student who loves language and gets a 5 on AP Spanish is providing insight into their level of fluency. All of these are small data points that can help a student tell their story.
But I’m probably applying test optional, so what happens to my AP scores?
When a college is test optional or test free, that refers to the SAT or ACT. They will typically be happy to accept other scores, such as AP exams, and indeed strong AP scores can provide valuable data points to support students’ academic profiles in the absence of other testing. We are finding that many of our successful test optional applicants do have AP scores to share.
My school doesn’t have APs / only has 2 APs / everyone fails AP Chem!
Don’t worry! Remember: you are always evaluated in context. Your admissions officer will know, from information provided by your high school, which courses are available to you. They are also often provided a scale that shows AP exam score distribution at your school; so if you have a teacher who famously refuses to teach to the test, and everyone gets a 2, they will have that information. On the flipside, if you’re that one student who gets a 4 or 5 on that exam, you may help yourself stand out further.
Eek! I didn’t do well on an AP. Are colleges automatically going to see my scores?
AP scores are self-reported, meaning you tell colleges about the scores you want them to know about—you do not have to send your official score report with every AP score listed on it. This means you have a lot of control over your AP scores and can only share the scores that add positively to your academic profile.
Note: some high schools put students’ AP scores on their transcripts as a standard practice, and students may have to request to have them removed. Make sure to check with your guidance counselor about this!
Can I actually get credit for them in college?
Yes! It’s important to remember that AP scores are not only part of the college admissions process; they can also be valuable once you get to college. Policies vary quite widely in terms of which colleges grant credit for which tests. Many colleges and universities will allow a student to accumulate credits from their AP exams—we’ve had students be eligible for sophomore standing as a result of their AP scores, which means they could save a full year of tuition—while others will give acceleration credits, allowing students to move to more advanced coursework faster. Doing well on APs, particularly earning 4s and 5s, can give students more flexibility and options in college!
Want to make sure to foot your best foot forward on your AP exams? Take a look at our AP classes to see if they’re a good fit for you. Or, as always, you can contact us.
