As the pandemic pushes colleges to go “test optional,” more questions arise about “optional tests” like College Board’s AP tests.
My experience in three different university admissions offices suggests that families considering AP tests should focus on three factors: (i) the college, (ii) the major, and (iii) the student’s high school.
THE COLLEGE
When I worked in admissions for Caltech, we required two additional tests—specifically, SAT Subject Tests. But all that changed in 2020-21, when Caltech not only eliminated the Subject Test requirements, but also eliminated consideration of SAT or ACT as well, and are now test-blind for 2021 and 2022. (Read more about Caltech’s two-year moratorium on tests HERE.)
Caltech never required AP tests, but would consider AP scores as one part of the admissions evaluation. Likewise, when I worked at UCLA and Scripps College, we did not require AP Tests, but would consider these scores as a supplement to a student’s overall application. None of the colleges and universities I worked for required any AP Test scores for admission.
Did we want to see the AP test scores if the student had taken the test? Yes. But there was no penalty for students who didn’t take them or send them in.
The potential advantage of an AP test was that it might make up for a deficit in an application—we might forgive a student’s area weakness in the ACT or SAT if they have a stronger score in the same area for an AP test. But not always.
THE MAJOR
The impact of an AP test varies depending on the academic focus of a student. For instance, competitive Engineering programs used to strongly recommend or require the Math II Subject Test because there is so much math knowledge required for success in Engineering. But the College Board just announced that they would no longer offer SAT Subject Tests or the Essay section of the SAT. (Read more HERE.) As a result, most Engineering programs have altered these supplemental test recommendations. For example, UC Berkeley Freshman Admissions page now says, “Other academic indicators will continue to be assessed in the review process, including grades, the rigor of a student’s courses, other non-required tests (SAT subject test, AP tests, IB test, etc.), and a student’s individual academic context.” (For a breakdown of how AP tests can be applied to college credit for courses within the UC system, check out the UC Admission link HERE.)
By contrast, students pursuing humanities or arts majors definitely do not need to AP tests to be considered competitive. Of course, if a student has taken AP Art test and gets a 5, the score can only help. And taking the AP Art class will prepare the student for the portfolio supplement required for art school applications. So while they’re not necessary, there are some upsides to AP tests even for non-STEM students.
THE HIGH SCHOOL
The high school context matters in college admissions—and AP classes and tests can affect that analysis.
Some colleges compare applicants from the same high school in making admissions decisions, and most colleges compare the rigor of different high schools in assessing individual applications. The general rule of thumb is that if a student can handle more rigor, they should challenge themselves within the context of their high school, because doing so can lead to an admissions advantage. So taking a few AP courses junior and senior year when offered, and earning A’s and B’s in these classes, will show admissions officers more rigor in the classroom.
That said, an AP test won’t necessarily change how a student is viewed vis a vis other students from the same high school. It’s a close, nuanced question that requires careful consideration of a student’s unique circumstances, and there are no hard-and-fast rules. It’s helpful to talk with someone who’s worked in admissions to assess the impact an AP test could have on how colleges view a student’s high school experience.
To discuss whether your child should take AP courses or AP tests this year, and to learn more about how we work with students and families on test planning for college admission, click HERE to schedule a free phone consultation.
To stream our recent test planning webinar, The Great Testing Debate, or other previous recorded Colledge events, click HERE.
