Sometimes low AP scores happen. That’s ok though because the best thing about a low AP score is that it really doesn’t have any negative consequences for you
You are not defined by your AP score, just as you are not defined by your grades or performance. You are more than any number.
If you want, you can make sure the AP scores you DON’T like are your own little secret. Read on for how to do that and for anything else you want to know about withholding your scores.
Can’t I just not send any scores at all?
Yes. You can avoid sending your AP score report on your college applications. That will prevent anyone from seeing either good or bad AP scores.
Do I need to fill out a score withholding form if I haven’t requested to get my AP scores sent to any colleges?
No. You do not need to use this form until you decide to send your scores to colleges.
How much will it cost to withhold my AP scores?
Well, each score that you withhold will cost you $10. But don’t forget that after your first free score report is sent, it will cost you $10 per report, PLUS the delivery fee ($15 for standard, $25 for rush).
Can I pick and choose which scores to withhold?
Yes. The score withholding form will let you choose exactly which subjects to hide scores from. So let’s say you got a 5 in APUSH and a 1 in AP Lit, you can choose to hide your AP Lit score. None of your colleges will ever know about your 1, and your 5 could help your college application and help you get credit. To see what kind of college credit you can earn for your score, check out The College Board’s Credit Policy Search
What does the June 15th deadline mean?
That’s a good question, because that’s a pretty confusing part of the form. The June 15th deadline only applies to anyone who already requested to send their scores to colleges in the following year. So if you fall into that category, you can’t withhold your scores. On the plus side though, if you already sent scores to your colleges, it probably means you’ve already heard back from the colleges that accepted you and it will make no difference if you got a 1 or not!
Where do I go to withhold my scores?
Go to the AP Withhold Scores page, read the instructions, and download and complete the form.
N.B. Double-check that the form you are filling out is definitely the form for the current school year!
FAQs
The fee to withhold a score is $10 per score per college, which does not include the cost to send your score report to the designated institution. You may later remove the withhold by sending AP Services a signed written request. There is no charge to remove a withhold on a score.
Should I hide my AP scores? ›
AP scores have very, very little impact on college admissions, especially if the exam has nothing to do with your major. If you don't report, they probably won't really notice. They can't assume you failed, as maybe you never took the exam in the first place. They care more about your grade in the class.
Are you allowed to tell people your AP score? ›
The AP Exam is intended to be a fair assessment of your academic ability. Sharing exam information in any unauthorized way compromises the integrity of the exam for all AP students, and for the colleges and universities that grant credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP scores.
Can colleges see your AP scores if you don't send them? ›
Do Colleges Look at AP Scores for Admission? While you don't typically need to send official AP score reports to colleges you're applying to, some schools will have space on their applications for you to self-report your AP scores. And if your scores are on your application, admissions committees will see them.
Why would I withhold an AP score? ›
In the realm of AP exams, the options to cancel or withhold scores offer flexibility and control to students navigating the uncertainties of academic challenges. As students embark on this journey, remember that these decisions are tools at their disposal.
Is a 3 a bad AP score? ›
In most cases, a 3 or higher is considered a solid AP score. But you can get an even better idea of how good your AP score is by comparing it to the average score for that test that year. For example, the average score for AP Biology was 2.83 in 2021. Anything higher would be considered above average for that test.
Should I report a 3 on an AP exam to UC? ›
Although the College Board reports all AP test results to us, students should be aware AP test scores lower than 3 will not adversely affect their chances for admission.
Does not sending AP scores look bad? ›
Whether you decide to send in your scores or not won't affect your chances at getting accepted into your top schools. Colleges will look at your transcript and see the classes you took. It's really not about what you score that colleges are looking for, it's more about what courses you are taking.
Should I report a 4 on an AP exam to Ivy League? ›
As far as reporting your score to Ivy League schools, each school may have a slightly different preference, but generally, a 4 is considered a 'well-qualified' score and should not necessarily hurt your chances. In fact, many colleges and universities even offer credit or advanced placement for scores of 4.
Should you report a 3 AP score to MIT? ›
MIT grants credit for a score of 5 on some College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. It does not grant credit for secondary school courses teaching AP curricula, or partial credit for lower scores. If you take an AP exam more than once, only your higher score will be counted.
So, a low score on an AP exam won't significantly impact your admissions chances, especially if your overall academic profile is strong and you got a good grade in the class itself.
Is it too late to withhold AP scores? ›
Scores can be canceled at any time, but for scores not to be sent to the college, university, or scholarship program that you indicated as your free score report recipient at cb.org/apfreescoresend, the AP Program must receive your request by June 15 of the year you took the AP Exam.
Can you choose not to show AP scores? ›
Your score report contains scores from all of the AP Exams you have ever taken. Your college will only use those scores that meet the minimum required score to receive credit or placement. You do have the option to withhold a score from a particular college, or cancel a score altogether.
Do you have to show all your AP scores? ›
Yes. Your score report includes all your scores from all the AP Exams you took in the past. Your entire score history will be sent to your designated college, university, or scholarship program unless you choose to withhold or cancel any of your scores.
Should I report my AP scores? ›
While you don't typically need to send official AP score reports to colleges you're applying to, some schools will have space on their applications for you to self-report your AP scores. And if your scores are on your application, admissions committees will see them.
Can schools see your AP scores? ›
You, the college, university, or scholarship program you designated using your free score send, and educators in your school and district, including your AP teachers, will automatically receive your scores once they're released.
Are AP scores confidential? ›
AP scores and any information furnished by students to the AP Program are treated as confidential. Students must sign in to apscore.org to view their scores. AP score reports are available in July to designated colleges and universities, students, high schools, and districts.
