Is an AP score of 4 competitive enough for Ivy League applications? (2024)

Hey everyone, so I received a 4 on one of my AP exams, and I'm wondering if that's considered good enough for Ivy League applications? Is it necessary to submit a score of 5 to be competitive or is a 4 still respectable in the eyes of admissions officers? My main focus is schools like Princeton and Yale. Thanks for any input!

6 months ago

Hello! A score of 4 on an AP exam is generally considered good and can demonstrate your proficiency in that subject. Ivy League admissions officers understand that not every student will have a perfect score of 5 on all their AP exams.

That being said, it’s true that many applicants to these highly competitive schools, such as Princeton and Yale, do have higher AP scores. However, your application is evaluated holistically, and your AP score is just one aspect of it. They'll take into account your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations as well.

In summary, while a higher score might be more competitive, a score of 4 is still respectable and should not be a significant detriment to your application. If you feel confident in the rest of your application, there's no need to worry excessively about the impact of a 4 on one of your AP exams. Best of luck!

6 months ago

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Is an AP score of 4 competitive enough for Ivy League applications? (2024)

FAQs

Is an AP score of 4 competitive enough for Ivy League applications? ›

In summary, while a higher score might be more competitive, a score of 4 is still respectable and should not be a significant detriment to your application. If you feel confident in the rest of your application, there's no need to worry excessively about the impact of a 4 on one of your AP exams

AP exams
Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are exams offered in United States by the College Board and are taken each May by students. The tests are the culmination of year-long Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are typically offered at the high school level.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Advanced_Placement_exams
.

Is AP score 4 good for Ivy League? ›

As far as reporting your score to Ivy League schools, each school may have a slightly different preference, but generally, a 4 is considered a 'well-qualified' score and should not necessarily hurt your chances. In fact, many colleges and universities even offer credit or advanced placement for scores of 4.

Should I send a 4 AP score to Harvard? ›

Not submitting AP scores for AP courses students take at their high school can raise red flags. But there are no hard and fast rules, such as not submitting 4s or 3s, as some suggest because, in some cases, students should submit those lower scores since admissions officers will assume even worse if they withhold them.

How many AP classes do you need to get into Ivy League? ›

How Many AP Classes Should You Take for Ivy Leagues and Other Top US Universities? For students aiming for the Ivy League and Top 20 schools in the United States, a good target is to take (and pass) 10-14 AP classes throughout your high school career — or 3-4 each year.

Does Stanford accept 4 on AP? ›

Credit is generally granted for a CollegeBoard Advanced Placement (AP) score of 4 or 5, or equivalent scoring rubric on other (domestic or international) exams.

Does Yale accept 4 on AP? ›

In subjects for which an AP score of 4 or 5 earns acceleration credit, a score of 6 or 7 on II B higher-level exams, or B or A on A-levels, is required; in subjects that require an AP score of 5 for acceleration credit, a score of 7 on the IB higher-level or an A on the A-level is required.

Does Harvard accept 4 on AP? ›

Harvard only accepts AP® scores of 5 for course credit. If you have 4 scores of 5, you can opt to obtain Advanced Standing. You can use AP® credits to opt-out of lower-level classes. Harvard has general academic requirements that all students must take.

Should I submit an AP score of 4 to MIT? ›

College Board Advanced Placement Examinations. MIT grants credit for a score of 5 on some College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. It does not grant credit for secondary school courses teaching AP curricula, or partial credit for lower scores.

Should I report my AP score of 4? ›

While it's true that more selective colleges might see a lot of 5s from applicants, a 4 is certainly not something that would count against you. In fact, many colleges grant credit or advanced placement for scores of 4 and above.

Should I report a 4 on an AP exam to MIT? ›

Students should self-report scores from all exams taken, and MIT will consider the super-score in our review process.

Is 4 APs too much junior year? ›

College counselors recommend that students strive to take 5-8 AP classes throughout their high school career, especially if they are interested in attending a highly-selective institution such as an Ivy League college. That said, you shouldn't feel pressured to take more AP classes than you can comfortably manage.

How many AP classes should I take junior year for Ivy League? ›

How Many AP Classes to Take for Ivy Leagues and Other Top Schools in the US. For students aiming for the Ivy League and Top 20 schools in the United States, a good target is to take (and pass) 10-14 AP classes throughout your high school career — or 3-4 each year.

Is 5 AP classes too much senior year? ›

An Ivy League hopeful might take 3 to 5 AP classes, while if you're aiming for less-selective schools, 2 to 4 would be enough. Senior Year: Take more APs in core subjects and additional subjects, again being careful not to overburden your schedule and to leave time for college applications.

Do Ivy Leagues accept 4 on AP exams? ›

Hello! A score of 4 on an AP exam is generally considered good and can demonstrate your proficiency in that subject. Ivy League admissions officers understand that not every student will have a perfect score of 5 on all their AP exams.

Does Cornell accept 4 on AP? ›

Cornell accepts AP® scores of 3, 4, & 5 for course credit. These requirements vary by undergraduate college. The required general education classes vary by undergraduate college. You can use AP® credits to opt out of these requirements, as well as certain major requirements.

Should I submit a 4 to an Ivy? ›

Credit on Entrance and Exemptions Charts. Our CC said that scores of 4 and 5 substantiate high grades (or refute bad ones) and should be submitted. They aren't used for credit but to confirm a strong academic record.

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