Should You Cancel Your AP Tests After Getting into Stanford?

In recent inquiries, students have debated whether it makes sense to cancel their Advanced Placement (AP) tests after receiving their acceptance to prestigious institutions like Stanford.

As someone who navigated the academic waters at Stanford, I can offer insights on whether canceling your AP tests is wise. Simply put, the primary benefit of passing AP tests at this juncture would be bragging rights. However, as a Stanford admit, you already have these rights, given your success in securing a spot. Hence, it might be more prudent to figure out how to best allocate your valuable time and resources. Spend time with your peers, enjoy your last moments, and express your gratitude to those who supported you along the way.

Alternative Benefits of Retaining Your AP Status

While passing AP tests may seem trivial, there are compelling reasons to keep them on your transcript, particularly if you plan to pursue graduate education or enter a highly competitive academic program.

The primary reason not to cancel your AP tests is that it could put you at an advantage if you decide to go to graduate school. Your Stanford GPA will be crucial, and having AP credits can provide a significant boost. If your AP prerequisites are waived and you take the required classes as a first-timer, you might not perform as well, impacting your overall GPA.

Consider the example of a foreign language requirement. If you had passed out of French AP, you would be enrolled in a first-year French class at Stanford. This review course would likely yield an "A" grade, but it would consume your study time that could be better utilized in more advanced electives or higher-level courses in your major.

Understanding Your Stanford Curriculum

At Stanford, there is a stringent grading curve where a predetermined number of grades are allocated to different performance levels. This means that the grading scale is not arbitrary but follows a preset distribution.

Rather than viewing AP tests as a means to avoid classes, it's beneficial to appreciate how they can serve as a foundation and enhance your learning experience. The courses at Stanford are designed to be equivalent to those taken by majors in the same field, including premed students.

For instance, as an undergrad, you would take calculus, history, psychology, sociology, chemistry, and physics. Since these courses are the same for both general and major-specific students, the knowledge you gain from AP tests can serve as a solid base for these classes, allowing you to excel with less effort and more efficiency.

Personal Experience at Stanford

Reflecting on my own experience at Stanford, I was enrolled in mandatory premed courses in calculus and physics. Despite not being a major in these subjects, my grades were excellent because the courses were review classes for me based on the AP knowledge I had already acquired.

This didn't mean I spent less time studying; rather, the material was familiar, allowing me to focus more on other challenging courses. The key was to use AP credits strategically to support my academic journey at Stanford.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, whether to cancel your AP tests after getting into Stanford depends on your future academic and career goals. If you plan to pursue a graduate degree, retaining your AP status can be advantageous.

Consider your time and resources wisely. While the bragging rights are enticing, engaging in activities that will enrich your college experience and build lasting memories is also important. However, if you're strategic about using your AP credits, you can enhance your academic success without sacrificing future opportunities.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Hopefully, this advice helps you make a well-informed choice, ensuring a successful transition to Stanford and beyond.

Remember, the journey to higher education is not just about the destination but also the experiences along the way. Make the most of every moment and every opportunity.