Perspective on AP and IB Exams

With AP and IB classes it is important to focus on what matters the most with the classes: the underlying grades. AP and IB classes are designed to prepare students to pass the AP and IB exams offered at the end of the school year. Therefore, AP and IB scores are a reflection of how well a teacher prepares their students to take the tests. As a result, admissions officers recognize that scores are closely correlated to teacher quality. Given that this is outside of a student’s control, admissions officers focus on the underlying grade in the class and not the exam score. 

Therefore, for the purposes of the college application process, students should focus on doing the best they can in those classes above all else. If they pass their AP or IB exams, it may lead to them receiving college credit at some universities. Students should not feel pressured to sign up for AP or IB exam prep courses unless they want to. AP and IB scores are taken into consideration at MIT, Georgetown, and Yale, but these particular schools are very selective even for students who have perfect test scores. AP and IB scores are important factors for international universities, and students interested in attending schools abroad should develop a testing plan that reflects their goals.