What’s a Good AP Score?

 
 

If you're beginning to navigate the college application process, you’ve likely encountered the term “AP exams.” You might be wondering, What exactly are AP scores, and how do I determine what qualifies as a good score? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let's break it down clearly so you’ll feel confident about how to approach this important part of your application.

What Are AP Scores?

AP stands for Advanced Placement, a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses in subjects like Math, English, History, Science, and more. At the end of the year, you take an AP exam to test your understanding of the material, and your score will fall between 1 and 5.

Here’s what each score represents:

  • 5: Exceptional understanding of the material.

  • 4: Strong understanding—well-prepared for college work.

  • 3: Solid grasp, but room for improvement.

  • 2: Some areas need more work; not quite college-ready.

  • 1: Insufficient understanding for college-level coursework.

What’s a “Good” AP Score?

Typically, a good AP score is considered to be a 4 or 5. These scores show that you’ve taken on challenging coursework and are ready for college-level work. A 5 demonstrates mastery, while a 4 still indicates strong academic preparation.

However, it’s important to understand that what qualifies as a “good” AP score can depend on the colleges you're targeting. If you’re applying to selective schools like Ivy League institutions, a 4 or 5 shows academic rigor. However, if you’re targeting schools that are less selective, a 3 may still be acceptable. Strategic reporting of AP scores allows you to highlight your academic strengths while minimizing any potential weaknesses.

Real-World Example: Meet Bianca

Let’s bring this to life with a real example: Meet Bianca, a high school senior applying to Ivy League schools. She took AP Calculus, AP English Literature, and AP Biology, and was thrilled to receive 5s in Calculus and English. However, she earned a 3 in Biology.

Bianca wasn’t sure whether to report the 3 when submitting her scores. While she was proud of her 5s, she worried that the 3 might hurt her chances. After consulting with her college admissions counselor, Bianca decided to focus on her strengths by submitting the 5s and leaving out the 3.

Her decision paid off. Bianca was accepted to her top-choice Ivy League school and earned college credit for her 5s, allowing her to skip some introductory courses. By strategically showcasing her strengths, she presented the best version of herself to the admissions committee.

But here’s the thing—this strategy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Bianca’s approach might not be best for every student. If, for example, Bianca had received mostly 4s and a few 3s, submitting them all could have been a good strategy. Why? Because colleges may assume that missing scores are lower than they actually are, which is why reporting all your scores could actually benefit you if you have a consistent record. Strategic submission helps strengthen your overall academic profile.

Should You Submit All Your AP Scores?

You don’t have to submit every AP score, and you should carefully consider your approach. Here’s how to think through your decisions:

  • If you have mostly 5s: Focus on reporting the 5s and leave out the 4s. While this is not always necessary, if you’ve earned a higher number of 5s, prioritize them and strategically omit the 4s.

  • If you have mostly 4s and a few 3s: Consider submitting all your scores. Why? Because selectively omitting scores may raise questions about what’s missing. When your scores are mostly 4s, it can be beneficial to show consistency across your AP exams, even if a 3 or two are included.

  • If you have 2s or 1s: Leave them off. Submitting lower scores could be detrimental to your application. Remember, in selective admissions contexts, even a score of 3 may not be viewed positively.

These decisions depend on the type of schools you're applying to and your overall academic strategy. The more selective the school, the more you should consider how your AP scores align with your entire application. As these choices can significantly impact your chances, it’s often wise to seek personalized guidance. Ivy Link has helped students like Bianca strategically navigate their AP score submissions, ensuring they highlight their strengths and present their best selves to admissions committees.

Do Ivy League Schools Require AP Scores?

Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton do not require AP scores for admission. However, strong AP scores can certainly bolster your application by demonstrating that you’ve engaged in rigorous coursework. These schools look for students who can handle the challenges of a top-tier academic environment, and AP scores are a great way to showcase that readiness.

Additionally, high AP scores may allow you to skip introductory college courses, giving you a head start. This can be a great way to save both time and money. For more insights on how AP scores benefit your college journey, check out our Is It Worth It? Why AP Exams Are Worth the Effort. 

For students applying to selective colleges, aiming for 4s and 5s is an excellent goal. But keep in mind that AP scores are just one part of your application. Colleges look at many factors, including your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and how well you fit within their academic community. 

If you're unsure how to approach your AP scores or need help navigating the application process, Ivy Link is here to guide you. Our personalized advice can help you create a strong, tailored application strategy to boost your chances of success. Reach out to us today to get the expert support you need throughout your college application journey.

EJ (Elden Joie) Gonzales