Hey everyone, I just got my AP scores back, and I managed to pull off a 4 on one of my exams. My friends are giving me mixed feedback, and I'm not totally sure if this is something I should be proud of. Is a 4 on an AP exam good enough for top-tier colleges, or should I aim for a 5 if I retake it next year?
5 months ago
Hey there, congratulations on your score! In the grand scheme of AP scoring, a 4 is definitely considered a strong result. It shows that you have a good grasp of the course material and are capable of college-level work, which is exactly what colleges are looking for. For most top-tier colleges, a 4 is seen favorably. However, these institutions also receive applications from many students with 5s, so the context of your entire application will matter as well.
If the subject of the AP exam is related to your intended major or area of interest, scoring a 5 could strengthen your application slightly more—but it's not a make-or-break situation. Instead of retaking the exam, focus on maintaining a rigorous course load and broadening your extracurricular profile. Those efforts will be much more meaningful than the marginal difference between a 4 and a 5. Also note that in many cases, a score of 4 is sufficient for college credit or class exemptions. Be sure to check the policies of the colleges you eventually apply to. Keep up the great work!
5 months ago
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