Is it worth sending AP scores to colleges?

It always behooves applicants to submit top AP scores to elite colleges, as top AP scores can be a significant differentiator in the highly selective college admissions process.

Should you submit your AP scores to colleges?

Do Colleges Look at AP Scores for Admission? While you don't typically need to send official AP score reports to colleges you're applying to, some schools will have space on their applications for you to self-report your AP scores. And if your scores are on your application, admissions committees will see them.

Do colleges really look at AP scores?

AP exams are considered as part of your application when submitted, but are not typically a major factor relative to the other parts of your application. Almost any admission officer will tell you they care more about your performance in a semester or year-long course than your score from one Tuesday morning AP exam.

Does it hurt to not submit AP scores?

It wouldn't do too much damage if you didn't send AP scores. It's more of an extra topping. However, if you're applying to top 50 schools, you might want to send in other test scores like SAT or ACT if you did well on those.

Do Ivy Leagues care about AP scores?

In terms of Ivy League and Top 20 schools, even a 4 is a relatively low score to earn on an AP exam. It is routine for Ivy League admissions officers to review applications from students who have scored 5s on multiple AP tests.

For Real: You Don't Need to Take AP Exams!

Should I send a 4 AP score to Harvard?

Not submitting AP scores for AP courses students take at their high school can raise red flags. But there are no hard and fast rules, such as not submitting 4s or 3s, as some suggest because, in some cases, students should submit those lower scores since admissions officers will assume even worse if they withhold them.

Should I submit a 3 AP score to Ivy League?

AP Exam Scores Can Be Listed on an Application

The general rule is only to report tests if you score a three or higher, especially if schools do not require AP tests. But, if you're applying to a selective school, that number should be a four or higher.

Should I report a 3 AP score?

If they will give you credit for the 3, then by all means report it! On the other hand, if they only give credit for a 5 on that exam (not even for a 4), you may want to hold off. The other thing to take into consideration is the selectivity of the college itself.

Should you report a 3 AP score to MIT?

MIT grants credit for a score of 5 on some College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. It does not grant credit for secondary school courses teaching AP curricula, or partial credit for lower scores. If you take an AP exam more than once, only your higher score will be counted.

Should I submit a 2 AP score?

Generally speaking, a 2 is not a good AP score, as it is not considered a passing score by the College Board. If you get a 2 on your AP exam, it might be better not to submit that score to the colleges you're applying to.

Should I report a 4 on an AP exam to Ivy League?

I'd recommend you include your AP score of 4 on your application, especially if it's in a subject area related to your intended major or area of interest.

Will colleges see bad AP scores?

But it's not the end of the world if you don't pass. Your class grade won't be affected, and colleges will still be impressed that you took an AP course. Colleges won't see your scores, if you don't report them. So, even if you are unsure if you'll pass, it's a good idea to opt to take an AP course.

What happens if a college sees a bad AP score?

The college will not do anything for a bad AP score. This means they will not rescind your admission, but they also won't let you skip the class. All it shows is that you tried to take a college level class and didn't do well on the exam that covered the content in the class. That's it.

Is it OK to send bad AP scores?

Bad AP scores will not affect your college admission. You don't have to report bad AP test scores to the universities to which you are applying. Even if you report bad scores, the college may still consider it commendable that you took on the coursework.

Should I send my AP scores to Harvard?

Yes. Applicants may provide self-reported SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, IB, etc.). Admitted students who decide to enroll at Harvard College will be required to submit official test scores.

Does MIT prefer AP or IB?

While AP and IB classes allow you to take the end-of-course exams for college credit, MIT generally does not accept the credit from these tests. The school wants all of its incoming freshmen to start at MIT on equal footing. However, MIT does grant credit for specific AP tests on which you score a five.

Does a 4 on an AP exam look bad?

For these reasons, an AP® score like a 4 looks great on your application. If you score a 3 or higher, then more selective colleges will begin to accept your AP® exam scores. The score of 4 is deemed by the College Board as “well qualified”, meaning that you know the material and could do well in the college class.

Is 5 AP classes in a year too much?

Depending on what kind of school you want to go to, you should be taking between 3 and 5 AP® classes this year. You will need to manage your time well, however, as you also need to study for the SAT® or ACT® during this time.

Does a 3 on an AP exam look bad?

Originally Answered: How good is a 3 on an AP Test? The AP College Board defines a 3 as being Qualified. Generally, most colleges won't accept a 3 for credit in most AP courses ( There are some exceptions like Environmental Science). A 3 means you passed the test and are sitting just over 50% in most cases.

Should I self-report a 4 AP score?

"If you have Advanced Placement (AP) scores, we recommend that you self-report them in the space provided in the testing section of the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge National College Match Application."

Does UCLA accept 3 on AP test?

Credit from Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

UCLA awards college credit for AP exams with scores of three or higher.

Does Harvard accept 3 on AP?

Harvard only accepts AP® scores of 5 for course credit. If you have 4 scores of 5, you can opt to obtain Advanced Standing. You can use AP® credits to opt-out of lower-level classes.

Is 3 AP classes enough for Harvard?

Going up the selectivity chain, the average at Harvard is eight AP classes. To be competitive at some of the most highly selective colleges in the country, 8-12 AP courses may be the sweet spot amount, assuming the student can handle that level of rigor.

Does Harvard accept AP score of 3?

Credits are earned by scoring 5 on a minimum of four AP tests. Certain AP examinations test material covered in one semester only, and for each of these, Harvard confers only one half credit toward Advanced Standing. For more information, visit Harvard's website.

Does MIT care about AP scores?

2023-2024 policy: Only one test in a given subject area will be recognized for Advanced Placement credit. MIT does not accept AP or transfer credit for all subjects. No credit is awarded for scores lower than 5.