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Let’s Talk about AP Tests (and Scores)! (2023 Updates)
It’s AP season and there are tons of questions, so let’s try to get through some of them. I remember last year around this time, our A2C feed was filling up with questions about AP tests. So, while I don’t mind answering each one of you separately when there’s time, I thought I’d make a global response. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years about AP scores, but be forewarned, time’s they are a-changin’ right now (rather quickly). And I can’t help but think that AP scores have become increasingly important for some colleges as Subject Test scores have been vaporized.
First of all, if you’ve already paid for the tests, I suggest taking them — even if you don’t think you’re ready. Give yourself a few minutes of deep breaths, do the Superman pose (google it), take time to sit in stillness, let your brain settle for a minute or two, and go for it. Ok, I know it’s not a “real” thing, but it never hurts to stand up tall, take a deep breath, and find our power.
Historically, If you are not a senior, there’s no big deal if you don’t take the test. You won’t have anything to report and you won’t need to report it. Colleges won’t be bothered if they see an AP class but no score. This is all as far as admissions go, now as far as the repercussions in your own high school, I have no idea…
Having said that, AP tests could likely become more and more important to some colleges. Be sure to read what the colleges you’re interested in are saying about AP scores on a school-by-school basis.
If you are a senior, most colleges won’t care if you don’t take the tests, even if you said you would. Again, read on a school-by-school basis before you blow it off. Berkeley and other UC schools want to know if you won’t be taking tests you’d said you were taking. In Spring 2021 they said you won’t be rescinded (that’s nice ;)), but they do want you to let them know. This link is from last spring, 2021, so be looking for updates this year if you’re curious or worried: https://twitter.com/CalAdmissions/status/1384186389026131979?s=20
For applications, I suggest self-reporting all fours and fives on your applications. Some colleges do use them to evaluate your applications and they can benefit your app for some college. I’ve seen a few colleges list them as something they want to see as they evaluate. I’d especially send if they boost your app in some way — like by balancing other test scores or grades.
You don’t need to send or self-report anything lower than a 3. For threes (and some fours), consider not self-reporting if the school doesn’t give credit for them. EXCEPTION: UC schools say they want to see ALL your scores from any AP test you’ve taken(https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/filling-out-the-application.html?fbclid=IwAR0KhemtuyR9h0VlhXhvjLwoxoswIMnC5Depyufk-PW-vxRMuD9UMhalgOY). They say that they train their readers to only focus on scores that benefit your application, but that they want you to report all your AP scores.
If you need to send official scores for some reason (like the college wants them straight from College Board), you can have your lower scores canceled by mailing in this: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/ap/pdf/ap-score-cancellation-form-2022.pdf. Be aware that it deletes the score forever, so be careful before you delete a 3 you might want to use for credit someday.
I’ve heard some Admissions Officers say they are looking for the test scores (AP, SAT, ACT) that show you in the best light, so self-report those strong scores. (Except for UCs where you’re expected to report all)
If your scores are lower than 3s, no need to report them unless they are required or recommended. (See above about UC schools)
Most colleges do not require them for admissions. A very few are beginning to recommend them instead of or as a replacement for Subject Tests.
Colleges more than likely won’t be looking for missing scores and wondering why you don’t have them. Lots of kids don’t take AP tests even if they’ve taken the class.
As far as whether your scores will count for college credit, that is totally college dependent, but keep in mind that lots of highly selective colleges don’t give much credit for them. But often they do like them for admission, so high scores can still be really helpful!
If you have special circ*mstances that you need to discuss about your conditions while taking the test like lack of internet access, technology, space, or troubling family situations, you can talk about this in the Additional Information section. You can either address low scores (if the college requires you to submit for some reason) or you can address why you couldn’t take the test. If you’re having issues with the internet, technology, or family issues, I suggest you address that in your Additional Info section anyway. Even if you don’t want to address your scores.
Check out my YouTube Channel Talk I had last spring with Nicole Pilar from College Wise. You can find the link to it here. She shared tons of helpful insight, info, and tips.
Good luck everyone! I know we’ll be right back here talking about your scores in June or whenever you get them back, but for now, hoping that this gives you a little guidance. Lemme know if you have more questions that I — or someone else around here — might be able to answer!
Take care. Take deep breaths. Superman (really. look it up)
XOXOXO AdmissionsMom
By Carolyn Caplan|2023-06-09T00:35:57+00:00May 3rd, 2023|AP Tests|2 Comments
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2 Comments
Misty SommersSeptember 11, 2023 at 3:49 pm - Reply
Hi there! Coming from another mom, thank you for sharing this information on AP exams for students! I’m totally sharing the superman thing with my kid today! Great advice, and I think that it helps to know that a low score or not reporting the information isn’t something to stress about. However, as someone who actually processes the AP credit in a Registrar at an Ohio Public 4-year college, I can say that the 4th-to-last bullet is the opposite for Kent State University (and many Ohio public colleges). Ohio schools award quality credits for scores of 3 or higher, often counting in the general education areas of your college degree. Additionally, test scores are being included less and less in Admissions decisions, however if you’re on the edge of being admitted because of a low GPA, a higher AP score (4 or 5) will certainly help show that you have potential! Feel free to check out Kent State credit policies and FAQs at http://www.kent.edu/credittransfer or see the Ohio policies at https://transfercredit.ohio.gov/students/student-programs/advanced-placement. I hope that helps some parents/students out there!! Up up and away!!! :-)
Carolyn CaplanSeptember 11, 2023 at 6:11 pm - Reply
Thanks so much for sharing your advice! yes for sure — many colleges don’t care about AP scores, but there are enough that do, that I want to make sure students know to self-report those strong scores!!!
