Why don't colleges look at AP scores?

Question

Why don't colleges look at AP scores for admissions? If you did really well on your AP tests shouldn't that help you since it's a standardized test and they can see how well you really know the subject? Also because colleges don't look at AP test scores until after you're accepted don't they realize a lot of people could be taking the courses just to take them since it doesn't matter if they fail the test?

Answer 1

AP test scores aren't needed for college.  not everybody takes them.  all they do is hopefully get you college credit for the course without having to take it again since you took it in high school, that is only if you scored high enough.  a few colleges may take a 3, most should take a 4 or 5.  some such as NYU and penn state don't take those scores at all and make you take the course again (mostly because they just want your money).  hope that helps

Answer 2

I think colleges look at AP classes in the light that you attempted a difficult course and did not slack off in high school. AP classes show the university that you were willing to work and had the initiative to take a college-level course. If you receive an A or B in an AP class, they feel that you are qualified enough to take that course in college.

They also understand that the tests are extremely difficult, and by no means do they expect everyone to pass them. If you were attentive and interactive enough in the course to receive an A, that is enough to show them that you are ready.