📊 AP Scores at a Glance
AP exams are scored 1 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is considered passing and may earn you college credit. Most selective colleges prefer 4s and 5s.
You spent months preparing for your AP exams, sat through hours of testing, and now you're waiting to see how you did. But what do those numbers actually mean? And more importantly, how will colleges interpret your scores?
Whether you're anxiously awaiting results or planning which AP courses to take, understanding the scoring system helps you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your academic future. Let me break down everything you need to know about AP scores.
📋 What's In This Guide
The AP Score Scale: 1 to 5
Unlike traditional tests where you might score anywhere from 0-100, AP exams use a simple 5-point scale. This scale indicates how qualified you are to receive college credit and skip introductory courses.
| Score | Qualification Level | College Grade Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | A+ or A |
| 4 | Well Qualified | A-, B+, or B |
| 3 | Qualified | B-, C+, or C |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | — |
| 1 | No Recommendation | — |
💡 Key Insight
A score of 3 is considered passing by the College Board. However, each college sets its own policies for granting credit—some accept 3s, while selective schools may require 4s or 5s.
What Each Score Really Means
Let's break down what each score indicates about your knowledge and what it means for your college prospects:
Extremely Well Qualified
Top-tier performance
You've demonstrated exceptional mastery of the subject matter. This score indicates you would likely earn an A in the equivalent college course. Nearly all colleges accept a 5 for credit and/or placement. If you're applying to competitive schools, this is the score that will impress admissions officers.
Well Qualified
Strong performance
You have a solid understanding of the material and would likely earn a B+ or higher in college. Most colleges—including many selective ones—grant credit for a 4. This is a score worth celebrating and reporting on your applications.
Qualified
Passing score
You've demonstrated sufficient understanding to succeed in college-level coursework. Many public universities and less selective colleges grant credit for 3s, but highly competitive schools (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) typically don't. Whether to report a 3 depends on where you're applying.
Possibly Qualified
Below passing
You showed partial understanding but didn't meet the standard for college credit. No U.S. colleges grant credit for a 2. This score won't hurt your GPA or application (if you don't report it), but it's a signal to focus more on this subject area if you plan to study it in college.
No Recommendation
Lowest score
This indicates little to no demonstrated proficiency in the subject. No colleges offer credit for a 1. In some exams, earning a 1 is extremely rare—it may indicate test-day issues, leaving early, or significant gaps in preparation. Don't report this score.
How AP Exams Are Scored
Understanding the scoring process helps demystify those numbers. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Multiple Choice Scoring
Computers score this section automatically. Each correct answer earns points—there's no penalty for guessing, so always answer every question.
Free Response Scoring
During the first two weeks of June, experienced AP teachers and college professors gather for “AP Reading” to hand-score essays and open-ended questions using detailed rubrics.
Composite Score Calculation
Your raw scores from both sections are combined (with different weightings depending on the exam) to create a composite score.
Conversion to 1-5 Scale
Statistical processes convert your composite score into the final 1-5 score. These “cut points” are calibrated so a 3 this year means the same as a 3 in previous years.
⚠️ Important: AP Exams Are NOT Curved
AP exams don't use a traditional curve where only a certain percentage can earn each score. Instead, the College Board sets standards based on what demonstrates college-level knowledge. Theoretically, everyone could score a 5 if everyone demonstrated mastery.
AP Scores & College Credit
One of the biggest benefits of AP exams is the potential to earn college credit—saving you time and money. But policies vary widely by school.
What AP Credit Can Do For You
💰
Save Money
Skip courses you'd otherwise pay for—potentially saving thousands in tuition
⏰
Graduate Early
Enough credits could let you finish college in 3-3.5 years instead of 4
📚
Take Advanced Classes
Skip intro courses and dive into upper-level classes sooner
🎯
Explore More
Use freed-up schedule space to double major or add a minor
Credit Policies by College Type
| College Type | Minimum Score for Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Elite | 4 or 5 | Some offer placement only, not credit |
| Selective Private | 4 or 5 | Varies by department |
| State Flagships | 3, 4, or 5 | Often generous with credit |
| Community Colleges | 3, 4, or 5 | Most accept 3s across subjects |
💡 Pro Tip
Use the College Board's AP Credit Policy Search to look up exactly what scores each college accepts for credit. Policies can differ by subject—a school might accept a 3 for AP Psychology but require a 5 for AP Calculus BC.
What's Considered a “Good” AP Score?
The definition of “good” depends on your goals:
🎯 For College Credit at Most Schools
A 3 or higher is generally considered good. The College Board itself uses 3 as the baseline for “qualified.”
🏆 For Selective College Applications
A 4 or 5 is what you should aim for. These scores demonstrate strong mastery and are worth self-reporting on applications.
📈 For Personal Achievement
Any score that represents your best effort after a challenging course is an accomplishment. Taking AP classes shows academic ambition regardless of the final score.
Keep in mind that pass rates vary significantly by subject. AP Calculus BC has a 5-rate around 40%, while AP Physics 1 hovers around 8%. A 3 in a notoriously difficult subject might represent more learning than a 5 in an easier one.
How to View Your AP Scores
AP scores are typically released in early July. Here's how to access them:
📱 Steps to Check Your Scores
- Go to CollegeBoard.org or the AP Students website
- Sign in to your College Board account
- Navigate to “AP Scores” in your account dashboard
- Scores are released starting at 8 AM Eastern, staggered by geographic location
For a detailed walkthrough on accessing your results, check out our guide on how to view your AP test scores online.
Scores from both the regular testing window and late testing are released at the same time. Your score report will include all AP exams you've ever taken, not just the current year.
Sending AP Scores to Colleges
You control which scores colleges see. Here's what you need to know:
Free Score Send
Each year you take AP exams, you get one free score report to send to a college of your choice. You must designate this by June 20 of that exam year.
Additional Score Reports
Want to send scores to more schools? Additional reports cost $15 each (standard delivery) or $25 for rush delivery. Factor this into your college application budget—you can learn more about all associated costs in our AP exam fees guide.
Score Withholding & Cancellation
Withhold a Score ($10)
Prevents a specific score from being sent to colleges. You can release it later if you change your mind.
Cancel a Score ($10)
Permanently deletes a score from your record. This is irreversible—you can't get it back.
Should You Report Low Scores?
General Guidelines:
- 5: Always report
- 4: Report to all schools
- 3: Report to schools that grant credit for 3s; skip for highly selective schools
- 2: Don't report unless required
- 1: Never report
The good news: most colleges don't require you to submit AP scores with your application. Scores are primarily used for credit and placement after you're admitted.
Do AP Scores Affect College Admissions?
Here's the truth: AP scores have minimal impact on admissions decisions. What matters more is that you took challenging courses.
Admissions officers primarily look at:
- Your course grades (including AP class grades)
- The rigor of your course selection
- Your essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars
- Standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT
Self-reporting strong AP scores (4s and 5s) can provide a small boost by demonstrating subject mastery, but a low score won't hurt you if you don't report it.
Tips for Scoring Higher on AP Exams
Planning to take AP exams? Here are proven strategies for success:
Start Early & Stay Consistent
AP exams cover a full year of material—cramming doesn't work. Review regularly throughout the year using effective time management strategies.
Practice with Past Exams
The College Board releases past free-response questions. Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity.
Use Quality Study Resources
Supplement your class materials with review books and online learning platforms that offer AP-specific content and practice.
Know the Exam Format
Understand how many questions, time limits, and question types you'll face. Check the AP exam schedule to plan your preparation timeline.
Answer Every Question
There's no penalty for guessing on AP exams. Never leave a multiple-choice question blank—even a random guess gives you a chance.
After Your AP Exams
Once AP season is over, you might be wondering what to do next:
📚
Recoup Some Costs
Done with your AP prep books? Sell your books to earn back some money and help next year's students.
💼
Build Your Resume
Use your summer productively. Consider online jobs to gain experience and earn money for college.
🎯
Prepare for What's Next
If you're job hunting, brush up on job interview skills to land the position you want.
🎓
Plan Ahead
Research which colleges accept your scores and start thinking about your application strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do AP scores affect my high school GPA?
No. Your AP exam scores are completely separate from your course grade. You could earn an A in the class but score a 2 on the exam (or vice versa). Only your course grade affects your GPA.
Can I retake an AP exam?
Yes, but only in May of the following year. You'll need to register and pay for the exam again. Both scores will appear on your record unless you cancel one.
Do colleges see all my AP scores?
Only if you send them. You choose which scores to report. You can withhold or cancel scores you don't want colleges to see.
What percentage of students get a 5?
It varies widely by subject—from around 5% (AP Physics 1) to over 40% (AP Calculus BC, AP Chinese). The overall average across all exams is roughly 15%.
Can I appeal my AP score?
You can request a multiple-choice rescore for $30—a human will re-check the computer scoring. Note that your score could go up, down, or stay the same. Free-response sections cannot be rescored, but you can request a copy for $15.
When do AP scores come out?
Scores are typically released in early July (around July 5-8), starting at 8 AM Eastern time. They're released in waves by geographic region over several days.
Understanding Your Score Is Just the Beginning
Whether you scored a 5 or fell short of your goal, every AP experience teaches you something. Use your results to make informed decisions about college credit, future courses, and your academic path.
Good luck! 🎓
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