Understanding Top Universities' Perspective on AP Classes and Exams
Many students are concerned about whether taking AP (Advanced Placement) classes and not sitting for the AP exams will impact their college applications. Top universities consider the rigor of your coursework more important than the exam results. Below, we dive into the nuances of this process and provide insights to help navigate your decision.
AP Exams vs. Coursework: What Colleges Really Value
Colleges place significant emphasis on the rigor of your classes rather than just your AP exam scores. By taking AP classes, you demonstrate that you are challenging yourself academically, which aligns with the expectations of these institutions. While it is advantageous to take and pass the AP exams, simply enrolling in the class can still be beneficial.
If your school does not offer the AP course, or if you have knowledge of the material through alternative means such as summer school or private tutoring, taking these classes can still be valuable. In such cases, it's wise to inform the colleges about your non-traditional learning experiences.
Subject-Specific Study for Science and Math
For AP courses like science and math, subject-specific study is often necessary to perform well. These subjects often require a deeper understanding of the material, which is better gained through comprehensive coursework rather than just the exam. For example, in science and math, you may need to study extensively to gain the foundational knowledge required for more advanced courses in college.
However, for subjects such as history and English, it's less certain if prior study is strictly required. English, as a language, is typically a prerequisite in high school. Therefore, if you have completed a high school English class, you should be well-prepared for college-level English courses, even without taking the AP exam.
Native Speakers and Foreign Languages
For native speakers of foreign languages, it is possible to take the AP exam without any additional study. However, for non-native speakers, extensive preparation is often necessary to perform well on the exam. In such cases, taking the AP class and making efforts to study for the exam would be more beneficial than not taking the exam at all.
Importance of Coursework
Colleges often value the coursework over the exam score. Taking the course and possibly performing well on the exam can significantly boost your college application. For example, even if you do not take the exam, having completed the course shows that you are capable of handling advanced material and have dedicated the time and effort to study it in depth.
For senior year AP scores, the situation is slightly different. By the time senior year AP scores are released, your college applications have likely been submitted. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely on senior year AP scores for admission decisions. Instead, focus on taking the courses during your earlier years when you have more time to prepare and show your dedication.
Example of Successful Strategies
Some students have successfully taken AP classes without sitting for the exams and have still been accepted into highly competitive programs. For instance, students who took some AP classes but not the exams due to financial or travel reasons and still secured full funding and admission to excellent Liberal Arts and Christian Colleges and Universities (LACS) demonstrate that not taking the exams does not hinder your academic progress. However, schools like MIT may require you to take both the courses and exams to ensure you have the necessary foundational knowledge for their rigorous curriculum.
In conclusion, while taking AP exams can be beneficial, the most important factor for top universities is the rigor of your coursework. Taking AP classes shows that you are prepared for the challenges of college-level work, and in many cases, this can outweigh the need to take the exams.