| |
You are here: Experts > Education > College Life > University of Texas, Austin > regarding AP and college application
Expert: Kat
Date: 8/11/2008
Subject: regarding AP and college application
Question
I am a high school senior studying Cambridge A - level. I am studying Physics, Chemistry, Math, Further Math and General Paper.
I have a query regarding the importance of AP in the process of admission as an undergraduate. I am an AP scholar; took tests of Physics C Mechanics, Calculus BC and Statistics. But my grades were not good ( I got 3 in all three subjects)
Now my problem is that I have become greedy; greedy in the sense that I do not want to send the score because I think that the admission office may believe that I do not have a strong academic background. However I do want to tell that I am an AP scholar since I think that it may give me a better chance to get admission. I do not want any credits while doing my undergraduate course even if they do provide credits for those scores.
Is it OK to do so? I do not want to deceive the admission office to get admission and therefore like to know if it is a good thing to do.
I am planning to apply to Grinnell College, Carleton C, Univ of Texas in Austin, Bates C and Tufts University.
Very eagerly looking forward to your reply.
I would also welcome any suggestion you could make regarding the application process.
Answer
Well, this may be a little outside of my range of knowledge since I'm not so sure how UT Austin handles its international admissions. I'll give you what advice I can.
First of all, those are relatively decent scores for such difficult AP tests! If you look on this chart, you would definitely be able to receive credit (although I know you said you didn't want it): http://www.utexas.edu/academic/mec/cbe/cutape.html The benefit of such credit is that it gives you some liberty in choosing which classes you want to take, how many classes you want to take, and perhaps even allows you to graduate early (particularly important if you are considering an Engineering degree). I would really encourage you to claim the credit!
Another reason I suggest you provide your scores to UT Austin is because regardless of whether you scored a 3 or a 5, the university is very interested to know that you took AP courses in general. It shows that you take initiative, are a hard-worker, and have the motivation to do well when you continue to the university level. A 3 on the AP Physics test is better than no AP Physics test at all in their eyes.
If you still feel you would rather not claim the credit, then what I suggest is that you list your AP courses on the "resume" you include with your application, and mention the coursework in your essays (perhaps even explaining your reasons for not claiming credit). It is perfectly acceptable to inform the admissions office that you DID take the tests but do NOT want to claim the credit - people do it all the time, usually because they want to boost their G.P.A.
It's up to you which way you decide to go, but I highly encourage you to send in your scores!
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
