I'm planning on taking the CLEP Calculus exam and I'm curious if doing well can give me a little boost in the admissions process, especially for STEM programs. Thoughts?
In admissions, having CLEP exams on your application, including Calculus, can indeed be viewed positively, as they can demonstrate your initiative in mastering college-level coursework independently. For STEM programs, showcasing your strength in mathematics is essential, and a high score on the CLEP Calculus exam can serve as evidence of your capability.
However, while it may add to your application's strength, it's unlikely to be a deciding factor. Admissions committees typically prioritize your high school GPA, the rigor of your coursework (like AP or IB classes), standardized test scores (if you submit them), and extracurricular achievements. If your high school offers AP Calculus and you perform well in the class and on the exam, that would typically be more influential than a CLEP exam. But, if the CLEP is your best option for demonstrating calculus proficiency, it's certainly worth pursuing and can complement the other components of your application.
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