AP scores released

Overview

AP scores are released in mid-July via your College Board account. Review scores, decide what to send to your college.

Release Timing

• Mid-July (usually July 5-10)
• All subjects released at same time
• Available on apstudents.collegeboard.org

Score Reporting

• Login to College Board account
• Scores visible immediately
• Print or save scores for your records

Free Score Send

When you registered for exams, you could send scores to 1 college for free. Use this wisely:

• Send to committed college
• Especially if you want credit evaluation
• Additional sends are $15 each

What Scores Mean at Your College

Each college's AP policy is different:

• Some accept 3+ for credit
• Others require 4+ or 5
• Some accept 5 for advanced placement but don't give credit
• Check your school's policy

Reviewing Scores

Score 5

• Usually full credit at generous schools
• May qualify for advanced placement
• Research if your major benefits

Score 4

• Credit at most schools for most APs
• Research specific subject at your school

Score 3

• Credit varies by subject and school
• Some offer credit, others don't
• Research before sending

Score 2

• Almost never credit
• Not useful to report
• Free retake next year possible

Score 1

• No credit, no report
• Possible to request score be canceled
• Consider retaking or not

Subject-Specific Considerations

High-Value APs (Usually Credit)

• AP Calculus AB/BC
• AP Chemistry
• AP Physics
• AP US History
• AP English Literature/Language
• AP Biology

Variable Credit APs

• AP Government
• AP Economics
• AP Psychology
• AP Statistics

Limited-Credit APs

• Some schools don't give credit for: AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Computer Science Principles

Sending Additional Scores

If you want to send scores to additional schools:

• Login to College Board account
• Select "Send Scores"
• Choose recipient colleges
• Pay $15 per additional college

Canceling Scores

If you scored poorly and don't want them on record:

• Cancel by July 15
• Fee applies
• Score no longer exists in your record

Credit vs. Advanced Placement

• Credit: Counts toward degree, reduces required courses
• Advanced Placement: Allows you to skip intro and take higher course, without necessarily getting credit
• Ideal: both

Requesting Transcript Adjustments

If your college doesn't automatically receive scores:

• Contact admissions or registrar
• Provide score reports
• Verify credit applied

AP Capstone

If you completed AP Capstone program:

• AP Seminar and AP Research scores
• Qualify for AP Capstone Certificate
• AP Capstone Diploma if ALL scores are 3+ and other criteria met

AP Scholar Awards

Based on scores:

• AP Scholar: 3+ on 3+ exams
• AP Scholar with Honor: 3.25+ average on 4+ exams
• AP Scholar with Distinction: 3.5+ average on 5+ exams
• National AP Scholar: 4+ average on 8+ exams

Credit-by-Exam Considerations

• Some students earn enough credit to graduate early
• Others want to take more classes in major
• Strategic: consider graduation timeline

For Pre-Med Students

• Medical schools require:
• Usually 1 year of biology, chemistry, organic chem, physics
• AP credit accepted only at med school's discretion
• Most pre-meds retake intro courses in college

For Engineering Students

• Physics and Chem usually retaken
• Math sometimes accepted (varies)
• Specific major requirements differ

For Pre-Law

• AP credit less relevant
• Law school doesn't care about undergrad credit
• Grades matter more than credit

After July Scores

• Plan course registration based on credits
• Discuss with academic advisor
• Adjust first-semester schedule if needed
• Consider if credits help graduation timeline

Summary

AP scores are a bonus, not a requirement for success. Whether you scored 3s or 5s, focus on your college plans. Credit or not, your preparation matters more than the specific score.