How important are AP tests in admissions? SAT II's? Thank you
This is a very good question, and a major source of stress for students and parents!
The answer, as with many questions that you could ask me and other independent educational consultants, is that it depends on your list of colleges. The vast majority of colleges today do not require Subject Tests (SAT II). I refer to this frequently-updated list for information on which colleges require Subject Tests - you can see that there are only nine that require them, and some of them will accept the ACT as an alternative.
AP scores are a different story, and people are often confused by how they are treated. Let's make sure we're all starting on the same page. There's a difference between using AP scores in the admission process, and getting college credit for your passing AP scores once you enroll at a college. Even if you send your AP scores to an admission office, you will most likely need to send them again after you enroll, to the registrar's office, or whichever office on campus determines how many credits they will award you for your scores.
I very rarely encourage students to send AP scores during the admission process. There are several reasons for this:
I hope this response, and the resources I have provided, are helpful!
Best of luck in your college search!
Evelyn
The answer, as with many questions that you could ask me and other independent educational consultants, is that it depends on your list of colleges. The vast majority of colleges today do not require Subject Tests (SAT II). I refer to this frequently-updated list for information on which colleges require Subject Tests - you can see that there are only nine that require them, and some of them will accept the ACT as an alternative.
AP scores are a different story, and people are often confused by how they are treated. Let's make sure we're all starting on the same page. There's a difference between using AP scores in the admission process, and getting college credit for your passing AP scores once you enroll at a college. Even if you send your AP scores to an admission office, you will most likely need to send them again after you enroll, to the registrar's office, or whichever office on campus determines how many credits they will award you for your scores.
I very rarely encourage students to send AP scores during the admission process. There are several reasons for this:
- First, it's very difficult to send just some of your AP scores, and not all of them. College Board makes this process difficult; it's not the same "score choice" as they utilize for Subject Tests.
- Second, unless you have all 5s, you are not showing the admissions office at a highly selective college that you stand out from the crowd. I understand that 4 is a great score and 3 is passing, but those scores do not help you shine.
I hope this response, and the resources I have provided, are helpful!
Best of luck in your college search!
Evelyn