Not every AP score is one you want colleges to see. The College Board offers two ways to control which scores are sent to schools: withholding and canceling. Knowing the difference — and the deadlines — is essential to managing your academic record strategically.
This guide covers:
- The difference between canceling and withholding AP scores
- How to request each
- Fees, deadlines, and rules
- Common mistakes to avoid
Withholding vs. Canceling AP Scores
- Withholding: Keeps a specific AP score from being sent to designated colleges. The score remains on your record and can be sent later if desired.
- Canceling: Permanently removes the AP score from your College Board record — it cannot be retrieved later.
When to Withhold AP Scores
- You scored lower than expected but may want to send the score later
- You’re applying to a college that doesn’t require or accept AP scores for credit
- You’re unsure whether the score will help or hurt your application
When to Cancel AP Scores
- You’re certain you don’t want the score on your record permanently
- You had a bad test day due to illness or personal circumstances
- The score has no value for your future academic plans
How to Withhold an AP Score
- Download and complete the Score Withholding Form from the College Board website
- Submit the form by mail with the $10 withholding fee per score, per recipient college
- Request must be received by June 15 of the year you took the exam
How to Cancel an AP Score
- Download the Score Cancellation Form from the College Board website
- Submit by mail or fax (no email submissions accepted)
- Request must be received by June 15 of the year you took the exam
- No fee is charged for cancellations
Deadlines and Processing
- Requests after June 15 apply to future score sends, not the initial release
- Always confirm that your request has been processed by checking your score report
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Score Release Date
- AP Credit Policies by College
- AP Exam Retake Policy
- AP Study Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I withhold a score from some colleges but not others?
A1: Yes — you choose which colleges see each score.
Q2: Can I cancel one score but keep others?
A2: Yes — each exam score can be canceled or withheld individually.
Q3: Does withholding a score look bad to colleges?
A3: No — colleges will not know a score was withheld.
Q4: If I cancel a score, can I take the exam again?
A4: Yes — you can retake the exam in a future year.
Call to Action
🎯 Need to control which AP scores colleges see?
Follow RevisionDojo’s clear withholding and cancellation guide to protect your academic profile while keeping future options open.
