AP scores for 2020 have been released. Are you wondering whether you should report your scores on your college application? Confused about whether you’ll receive college credit for your scores?
We’re here to answer all your AP score questions!
Starting off with the most asked question about AP scores:
Do Colleges Care About AP Scores?
Every college has a different policy about AP scores. Now that the college admission process is so competitive, most high ranked colleges do care about AP scores, but they’re not the most important part of your application.
Stanford says AP scores rarely play a significant role in admissions. MIT says it looks at AP scores but they’re not a part of admissions.
Colleges will certainly look at whether you did take AP classes if they were available at your high school. But you don’t have to kill yourself trying to take 10 AP tests.
The college application process is holistic, which means your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities are all considered. So AP scores are apart of the holistic process but are not the most significant part. Especially when every high school has a different policy on AP classes. Some schools only offer 5 AP classes, some schools offer 20, and some schools offer none.
What matters is that you are challenging yourself, trying your best, and taking a rigorous course load. This can mean taking AP classes, but it certainly doesn’t mean taking every AP class and test.
Should I Submit My AP Scores If I Didn’t Score a 5?
Colleges know that if you take an AP class, you are certainly taking the corresponding test.
If you took an AP test during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to hide a score that is a 3 or lower because this was a unique year with no multiple-choice and less class preparation.
Generally, hiding 3s or lower is recommended if you’re trying to get into a top 20 school. But if you received a 3 on an exam that everyone else in your school failed and you are proud of your score, go ahead and send it in.
Additionally, you should look at whether you will receive academic credit or placement out of intro classes with your AP score. Some schools may offer placement in higher math and English classes with 4s and 5s on AP tests. State schools may offer units towards graduation for anything above a 3. Looking at what scores a college will take credit for can help give you an idea of what scores they think are competitive enough to report.
Did COVID-19 Impact Your AP Exam?
Most likely, yes. COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives. Colleges know that this was a weird year for AP tests. It’s unclear what schools will dow ith AP scores that are reported but it will definitely be a unique year for admissions.
Final Thoughts
If you feel your AP score represents you and the time and effort you put into the course, then report it. Otherwise, it is okay to hide it and highlight other aspects of yourself in your application.
