Should I Send My AP Scores To Colleges?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You have earned a high score (typically 4 or 5) on an AP exam that aligns with your intended major and the target college lists it for credit or placement, giving you a head‑start on coursework.
• Good fit: The colleges you are applying to require official AP scores as part of the application packet, especially selective schools that use scores to assess academic rigor.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Your AP score is lower than the typical credit‑granting threshold (often a 3) and the school does not consider lower scores for admission, which could draw unnecessary attention to a weaker performance.
• Warning sign: The application deadline is near and you risk the scores arriving late, potentially causing an incomplete application.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong scores can demonstrate mastery of college‑level material, strengthening your academic profile.
• Accepted scores may earn you credit, allowing you to skip introductory courses, save tuition, and graduate earlier.

Cons

• Low or average scores might highlight gaps in knowledge and could be viewed unfavorably if the school evaluates all submitted scores.
• Sending scores incurs a fee per report and may delay your application if processing times are long.

Decision Checklist

• Do the colleges you’re applying to list AP scores as optional, required, or ignored?
• Is your score at or above the typical credit threshold for the subject and the institutions you’re targeting?
• Can you afford the reporting fee and meet any additional deadline constraints?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re uncertain, you can submit scores only to schools that explicitly request them, or wait until after admission decisions to send scores for credit purposes. Some applicants also choose to take the AP exam again to improve a low score before sending it.

Final Recommendation

Generally, send your AP scores when they are strong, the target schools consider them for admission or credit, and you can do so without risking late delivery. If scores are modest, the schools do not require them, or timing is tight, it may be wiser to hold off or send selectively. For high‑stakes decisions—especially at very selective institutions—consult your high school counselor or a college‑admissions advisor to confirm the best strategy.