Every July, students across the country log in to see their College Board AP Scores — the result of months of preparation and testing in Advanced Placement courses. These scores can help you earn college credit, strengthen your applications, and set yourself apart academically.
This guide explains:
- How to access your College Board AP Scores
- What your score means on the 1–5 scale
- How scores are calculated
- How colleges use AP scores
- What to do if your score isn’t what you hoped for
How to Access Your College Board AP Scores
- Go to the College Board AP Scores website in early July.
- Sign in with your College Board account credentials.
- Select the year’s exam results to view your scores.
- You can print or save your score report for your records.
If you took multiple AP exams, you’ll see all of your scores listed in one place.
Understanding the AP Scoring Scale
AP scores range from 1 to 5:
- 5 – Extremely Well Qualified
- 4 – Well Qualified
- 3 – Qualified
- 2 – Possibly Qualified
- 1 – No Recommendation
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though college credit policies vary by school and subject.
How College Board AP Scores Are Calculated
- Section I (Multiple Choice) and Section II (Free Response) are scored separately.
- Your raw scores are weighted based on the section’s percentage of the total exam score.
- Weighted scores are combined and converted to the 1–5 AP scale using College Board’s established conversion tables.
For example, an AP Chemistry exam might have Section I worth 50% and Section II worth 50%, with specific raw score ranges tied to each AP score level.
How Colleges Use AP Scores
- Credit: Some colleges award credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5.
- Placement: High scores can place you into higher-level courses, bypassing prerequisites.
- Admissions: Strong AP scores demonstrate college readiness and academic strength.
Policies vary widely — always check the AP credit policy for each college you’re applying to.
What If You’re Unhappy With Your Score?
- Retaking: You can retake an AP exam in the following year.
- Score Send Choices: You control which AP scores are sent to colleges.
- Score Cancellation: If you request cancellation before scores are sent, they won’t appear on your record.
- Superscoring: While not common, some schools may consider your best AP score if you take the test more than once.
Tips for Maximizing Your College Board AP Scores
- Start preparing months before the test date.
- Use practice exams to identify weak areas.
- Review past scoring rubrics to see what graders expect.
- Manage time carefully during the exam.
Why College Board AP Scores Matter
Strong AP scores can save you thousands in tuition by granting college credit, allow you to skip introductory courses, and make you a more competitive applicant. Even if a college doesn’t offer credit, good scores still demonstrate academic ability.
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Score Calculator
- AP Exam Test Strategies
- Hardest AP Classes Ranked
- AP Subject Study Guides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When are College Board AP Scores released?
A1: Scores are released in early July, with specific release dates varying by state.
Q2: Do all colleges accept AP scores for credit?
A2: No — policies vary, so always check with the college’s admissions or registrar’s office.
Q3: Can I send AP scores to colleges after applying?
A3: Yes — you can send scores at any time through your College Board account.
Q4: Is it worth retaking an AP exam for a higher score?
A4: Yes, if the score increase could earn you college credit or improve your application.
Call to Action
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