Do Ivy League Colleges look at AP scores or Sat Subject Test scores more?

Question

I got a lousy 3 on my AP World History but a very good score of 780 on my SAT II. I don't care if I get college credit or not. I just wanted to show that I could take an AP. Does this AP score effect my admission more than my SAT score? Are Ivy League schools very picky that way, in that everything must be perfect?

Answer 1

All schools will look at SAT scores over AP scores.

Answer 2

They look at SAT subject test scores more for admissions I think and they know that some people make great/almost perfect scores on the subject test might do badly on the AP test. I'd concentrate more on the actual application essays/supplements than worrying about test scores--yes, they are very important but an essay is what is going to basically make or break you in admissions (especially since there are probably hundreds of other people who are in the same situation as you are based on test scores alone)

Answer 3

Most schools look at your application holistically and don't (officially) look at one thing over another.  However if I were a grader I would put you somewhere in the 4 range of the AP scale for one reason: the AP requires much more critical thinking than the SAT Subject Test (I know from experience).

SAT tends to test how much you know, but AP tests how well you can think.

(AP World: 5; SAT II World History: 650).

I'm not a guy that likes to do work XD.

So to answer your question, I don't think it will affect your chances of getting in. (If you think that Stanford is Ivy League, then look up "Ivy League")

Answer 4

Universities, including Ivy League institutions, do not weigh your AP scores when determining your admission status. The AP scores can help you later on; you might be able to use the 4's or 5's to take care of G.E. prerequisites to get you ahead (depending on your major).

Your AP scores do not matter for now; you will not report them until AFTER you've been admitted. Focus on your GPA, SAT scores (these are vital.. a score of 2200+ should be achieved to be competitive for Ivy League schools), the SAT Subject tests - I recommend you take 2-3 subjects and aim for a score of 700+ on each (a 780 is EXCELLENT!), and community service hours (400+ hours).

AP classes help in the application process because they impact your weighted college GPA. However, AP scores do not.

Also, don't forget to write killer essays. Essays can be your lifeline in the process; remember, people with identitical or superior GPA's and test scores will be applying too! Your essays and interview usually determine the reviewer's decisions.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Most Ivy Leaugues require a good score  on a sat subject test. So they will definitly look at that. Since your's is a really high score, it shouldn't be a problem. For your AP, it depends on what college and what your majoring in and if you are going to take that class or not. ivy leagues generaly have you retake the course even if you  get a five. So i would only think about it if you want to go into that field.