Check your AP scores

AP Scores Released

Overview

Mid-July, AP exam scores drop at collegeboard.org. Your stomach will flutter when you see them. Scores range from 1-5 (5 is best; 3+ usually qualifies for college credit). Once you see them, you'll need to decide: send them to your college (for credit consideration) or suppress them (and retake the course for a stronger foundation). July scores determine your course registration decisions in August. Check them ASAP.

Action Steps

1. Check Your AP Scores

   • Go to collegeboard.org
   • Log in with your College Board account (same account you used to register for exams)
   • Navigate: "My Account" → "Order Reports" → "AP Scores"
   • Scores typically release mid-July (check College Board's exact date)
   • View each exam score and subject

2. Understand Score Distribution

   • Score range: 1-5 (higher is better)
   • 5 = Extremely well qualified
   • 4 = Well qualified (usually qualifies for credit)
   • 3 = Qualified (may qualify for credit; varies by college)
   • 2-1 = No credit (not recommended to send; consider retaking course at college)
   • Most AP exam distributions: ~30-40% score 3+; ~10-15% score 5

3. Review Your College's AP Credit Policy

   • Log into admitted student portal
   • Find: "AP Credit Policy" document (usually PDF)
   • Key info: Minimum score for credit, course equivalencies, whether you get out of requirement or get elective credit
   • Example: "AP Calculus BC score of 4+ = exemption from Calculus I; you start in Calculus II"
   • Different colleges have different policies; your score of 4 might get credit at one college but not another

4. Decide: Send Score or Suppress?

   • Send score if: You scored 4-5, your college gives credit/exemption, and you're confident in subject
   • Suppress score if: You scored 1-3, your college requires minimum 4, or you want to retake course at college for stronger foundation
   • Retaking decision: Some pre-med students take Calc at college even with AP 4-5 to build strong foundation; totally valid
   • Once suppressed, you can't unsuppress later; think carefully

5. Send AP Scores to Your College

   • First free send: During AP exam registration, you could list one college to receive scores automatically
   • If not done, or sending to additional colleges: Use College Board's "Order Reports" feature
   • Cost: $15 per college after free send
   • Processing: Electronic send takes 24 hours; mailed official report takes 2 weeks
   • Send electronically (faster)
   • Recipient: [Your College] with AP Coordinator's code (find on college website)

6. Suppress Scores (If Needed)

   • Same College Board portal: "Manage Scores"
   • Select score to suppress; confirm (can't undo)
   • Suppressed scores aren't sent to any college
   • Only you see suppressed scores

7. Track What You've Sent

   • Create a spreadsheet: AP exam, score, date sent, college received
   • Colleges usually confirm receipt within 1-2 weeks
   • If you don't see scores in your college portal after 2 weeks, email admissions: "I sent AP [Exam] score on [date]. Can you confirm receipt?"

Pro Tips

• Don't freak out if you score lower than expected (scores don't affect college admission; you're already admitted)
• If you scored 4 in Calc but want to retake for stronger foundation, that's smart (especially if pre-med)
• Check your college's specific policy before sending; some colleges are generous with 3s, others require 4+

Key Dates

• Scores released: Mid-July (usually July 10-20; check College Board)
• Send scores: By July 25 (so college receives by August orientation)
• College credit policies: Review by July 20