Hi! I recently got a 3 on one of my AP exams. I know it's not the best score, but is it still worth submitting it when I apply to college? Does it really help my application or will it possibly hurt it?
3 months ago
Hi there! A score of 3 on an AP exam is considered passing, and while it may not be the most impressive score, it won't necessarily harm your application either. Colleges, especially selective ones, primarily focus on the rigor of the courses you've taken and the grades you earned throughout high school. AP courses, even with a score of 3, show that you've challenged yourself in a more advanced curriculum.
Additionally, since a 3 on an AP exam is passing, the score may have some benefits, depending on the specific college you're applying to. Some colleges consider any passing AP exam scores for college credit or placement into a higher level course, but each institution has different policies when it comes to AP score requirements—I encourage you to look up the policies at the schools you’re most interested in on their websites. Even if the college you're applying to doesn't grant you credit or advanced placement for a 3 on an AP exam, having the score on your transcript or self-reported in your application won't necessarily work against you.
Remember, college admissions are holistic, and they'll look at your entire application to make their decision. Your AP exam scores are just one piece of the puzzle, and not a hugely important one. Rather than stressing too much about whether or not you should submit your 3, focus on other aspects of your application like your grades, extracurricular activities, and essays, as those elements will do more to strengthen your application.
In summary, while a 3 on an AP exam isn't the most competitive score, it's still a passing grade and may be worth submitting depending on the college and their policies. Just keep in mind that admissions committees will focus more on your coursework, grades, and overall involvement throughout high school when evaluating your application. Good luck!
3 months ago
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Hi there! A score of 3 on an AP exam is considered passing, and while it may not be the most impressive score, it won't necessarily harm your application either. Colleges, especially selective ones, primarily focus on the rigor of the courses you've taken and the grades you earned throughout high school.
Should you submit a 3 on an AP test? ›
But what is a passing AP score? The College Board considers a score of 3 or higher a passing grade. That said, some colleges require a 4 or 5 to award credit. Whether a 3 is a good AP score depends on the colleges you're applying to.
Do most colleges accept a 3 on an AP test? ›
Colleges are generally looking for a 4 (“well-qualified”) or 5 (“extremely qualified”) on the AP exam, but some may grant credit for a 3 (“qualified”). These scores mean you have proven yourself capable of doing the work in an introductory-level college course.
Should I submit a 3 AP score to Ivy League? ›
AP Exam Scores Can Be Listed on an Application
The general rule is only to report tests if you score a three or higher, especially if schools do not require AP tests. But, if you're applying to a selective school, that number should be a four or higher.
Should I retake an AP test if I got a 3? ›
That being said, you need to take this decision of whether or not you should retake AP exams carefully. For instance, if you have a score of 3, a retake may not be necessary. However, if you are applying to the most selective colleges, you may need a higher score. And in this case, a retake is necessary.
Is reporting a 3 on AP exam bad? ›
Interpreting AP Scores in Admissions is a Human Process
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.
Is a 70% a 5 on the AP exam? ›
Usually, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. However, there are some exams that are exceptions to this rule of thumb. The AP Grades that are reported to students, high schools, colleges, and universities in July are on AP's five-point scale: 5: Extremely well qualified.
Does Harvard accept 3 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.
Does Harvard accept AP score of 3? ›
Credits are earned by scoring 5 on a minimum of four AP tests. Certain AP examinations test material covered in one semester only, and for each of these, Harvard confers only one half credit toward Advanced Standing. For more information, visit Harvard's website.
Does Yale accept 3 on AP test? ›
Yale accepts scores of 4 and 5 on the AP® exams for credit. The score requirements vary by department. You can use your AP® credits to “accelerate” your Yale education.
Credit from Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
UCLA awards college credit for AP exams with scores of three or higher.
Should I report a 3 on an AP exam to UC Berkeley? ›
Please submit your official scores for all Advanced Placement exams for which you have earned a score of 3 or higher. ALL final, official exam results must be received by July 15th.
Does Princeton accept a 3 on AP? ›
Princeton accepts AP® scores of 5 (and rarely 4) for course credit. These requirements vary by department. Princeton has certain classes that everyone has to take called distribution requirements. You can't use AP® credits to get out of these distribution requirements.
Does retaking an AP exam look bad? ›
You should only retake the AP exam if external factors impacted your test performance the first time AND you're near-positive that the extra effort will pay off in college credit. There's really no other reason to retake an AP exam. They have a marginal impact in college admissions.
Should I cancel my AP score of 2? ›
At most colleges, your AP score report goes straight to the registrar's office; admissions never sees it. While you obviously will not get credit for a 2, it will not pacts your admissions decision. But if you do bad, you can lower your average and potentially lose out on getting an ap scholar.
How many AP tests is too much? ›
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.
Should I submit a 3 AP score reddit? ›
I would say don't submit if you get a 3 or lower. Only because the UCs are VERY competitive and you will be competing with thousands of kids who got 4s and 5s on that exam. Esp because they are test optional and in some schools a 3 will not give you credit for college English.
Should I send my AP scores if I got a 2? ›
Sending your AP exam score to colleges is optional.
If your exam score is eligible for credit, self-report it on the college application and send the official report through the CollegeBoard. Never report or send an exam score of a 1 or 2. They are not considered “passing” scores.
What AP scores should you submit? ›
Advisors recommend sending only high AP scores, especially those most relevant to your major. AP score reports include scores from all AP exams a student has taken in the last four years, except for withheld or canceled scores. Colleges typically maintain AP-optional policies.
