How to Make the Most of AP Scores

It’s time to start putting together those college applications, and you might not be sure what to include and what to exclude. 

When it comes to reporting Advanced Placement (AP) scores to top colleges, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to take. Taking AP classes looks good on your transcript, as long as you do well in the class. However, just because you did well in class doesn’t mean you did well on the exam. It happens. Reporting AP scores is optional, and you have every right to not report any score you think is too low. 

How low is too low? 
It’s a case by case determination that you will have to make. While you might believe that only reporting 5s (the highest score) is the best approach to take, there are a few things to consider. 

Let’s say that throughout high school you took five AP classes and exams, and scored mostly 5s with a couple of 4s. In this case, you could conceivably leave out the 4s and focus on the 5s since they will be dominant. The admissions officer might not really notice one or two scores missing. Though, even if you have a 4 you may want to consider submitting the score because it might exempt you from certain first-year college classes. Check with the individual colleges to be sure. 

If, on the other hand, you received mostly 4s and a few 3s, you might want to submit them all. If too many scores are missing, admissions officers at certain colleges might assume the missing scores are even lower than they actually are. You obviously don’t want that. The only thing you for sure don’t want to submit are 2s and 1s. If, heaven forbid, you received these scores, leave them off. In this case, if the admissions officers assume the worst, they are not wrong. No need to prove them right. 

Many of our students apply to selective or highly selective colleges, in which case we recommend that they do not even submit 3s or lower! At these colleges, anything below a 4 will reflect poorly on the applicant. 

So when you’re deciding which scores to report and which to keep to yourself, you have to be strategic and determine what you think is best based on the colleges that you’re targeting and your overall academic profile. Remember, AP scores are just one factor in a list that helps college admissions officers decide whether or not you’re the right fit for the school. Don’t let these scores, whatever they may be, diminish your confidence. 

Looking for more strategic college admissions tips? Contact Ivy Link to schedule a consultation.