AP exams and SAT Subject Tests

[northernerr]

Hi all!

So I know West Point will rarely accept AP credits in general (only to validate a few courses etc), but do they look at your AP exam scores during the admissions process? Will those scores at all factor into appointment?

Same goes for the SAT Subject Tests. A handful of schools my friends are applying to require/recommend them to help admissions, but are they really worth spending the money on (i.e. will the help my admission chances)?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Soldiergriz]

My son did not take any subject tests. He had a few AP tests...mix of 4s and a couple 5s. I recall he had at least 1 3 as well.

Save your money unless plan Bs require them is my advice.

 

[jl123]

Hi all!

So I know West Point will rarely accept AP credits in general (only to validate a few courses etc), but do they look at your AP exam scores during the admissions process? Will those scores at all factor into appointment?

Same goes for the SAT Subject Tests. A handful of schools my friends are applying to require/recommend them to help admissions, but are they really worth spending the money on (i.e. will the help my admission chances)?

Thanks for the input.

Won't help with admissions, but could help with placement and validation decisions. Could also help you decide whether or not to shoot for higher placement, especially math.

There is no downside to taking the exams, except cost. And there is potential upside. Take what you can afford and is helpful with other schools you are applying to.

 

[Overwhelmed]

What if you don't receive an appointment to West Point?
What if you don't receive a ROTC scholarship?

Those AP exams could potentially save you thousands of dollars in tuition expenses at a civilian college.

 

[Zaggs]

The AP exams can only validate some courses and generally won't help out with your overall academic scoring, however, if you get honors such as National AP Scholar (if I'm correct, its getting an avg of a 4 on 8 exams with the exams being no lower than a 3), that could help out with it being an academic honor.

 

[gill0610]

DS is ROTC. He was able to avoid having to take several electives as he had their AP equivalents. With a heavy course load to begin with (engineering major, plus additional required credits for ROTC) they were a big help. The amount of credits he entered with also affected when he got to pick his classes, giving him a more favorable schedule. I agree completely with “take as many as you can afford”. There is no guarantee you won’t end up at a civilian school where they could be very beneficial.