How To Submit Ap Scores To Colleges

How to Submit AP Scores to Colleges

AP scores play a crucial role in the college application process, demonstrating your academic abilities and potentially earning you college credit. Understanding how to submit AP scores to colleges efficiently can make a significant difference in your application journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sending your AP scores to the colleges of your choice.

Understanding AP Scores

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board that allow high school students to demonstrate college-level knowledge in various subjects. Each exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with:

• 5 - Extremely well qualified
• 4 - Well qualified
• 3 - Qualified
• 2 - Possibly qualified
• 1 - No recommendation

Most colleges grant credit or advanced placement for scores of 3 or higher, though policies vary by institution. Before submitting your scores, it's wise to research the specific AP credit policies of your target colleges to understand which scores they accept and what benefits they offer.

When to Submit AP Scores

Timing is crucial when submitting your AP scores. Here are some key considerations:

• Early Decision/Early Action Deadlines: If you're applying through early decision or early action programs, you should send your AP scores by November of your senior year.
• Regular Decision Deadlines: For regular decision applications, aim to have your scores sent by January of your senior year.
• After Application Submission: You can send scores after submitting your application, but doing so well in advance ensures colleges receive them when reviewing your materials.
• Score Release Timing: AP scores are typically released in July, so plan accordingly if you're taking exams in May.

How to Submit AP Scores to Colleges

The College Board offers several methods for submitting your AP scores to colleges. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Online Submission Through College Board Account

The most common and efficient way to send AP scores is through your College Board account:

1. Create or Log In to Your College Board Account: If you don't have one, visit the College Board website and create an account.
2. Navigate to the AP Services Section: Once logged in, find the "AP Services" or "Send Scores" section.
3. Select the AP Exams You Want to Send: Choose which exam scores you wish to send to which colleges.
4. Add College Codes: Each college has a unique code. Search for and add the codes of your recipient institutions.
5. Review and Submit: Double-check your selections and submit your order.

By Mail or Phone

While less common, you can still submit AP scores by mail or phone:

• By Mail: Complete the AP Score Report Request form available on the College Board website and mail it with payment.
• By Phone: Call the College Board's customer service at (888) 225-5427 and provide your payment information over the phone.

Additional Options

• Rush Delivery: If you need scores sent quickly, you can opt for rush delivery for an additional fee.
• Score withholds: You can choose to withhold a score and send it later if you're not satisfied with your results.

Score Sending Options

Free Score Sends

When you take an AP exam, you're entitled to one free score send per exam. This free send must be used by June 30 of the year you took the exam. To use your free score send:

1. During the exam administration, indicate the college(s) you want to receive your scores.
2. If you forget during the exam, you can still use your free send by logging into your College Board account before the deadline.

Paid Score Sends

If you need to send scores after using your free option or to additional colleges, you'll need to pay a fee:

• $15 per score report for each college
• $15 per rush order (if needed)

Score Choice Policy

The College Board's Score Choice policy allows you to select which AP scores you send to colleges. This means:

• You can choose to send only your highest-scoring exams.
• You can withhold specific scores from being sent.
• Colleges won't know if you've taken other AP exams unless you choose to send those scores.

However, some colleges may require you to send all AP scores you've taken, so check each institution's policy before making your selections.

What Happens After Submission

Once you've submitted your AP scores, here's what you can expect:

Score Processing Time

• Online Requests: Typically processed within 7-10 business days
• Mail Requests: May take 3-4 weeks or longer
• Rush Orders: Usually processed within 2 business days

How Colleges Receive Scores

Colleges receive AP scores electronically through the College Board's system. Once processed:

• Scores are added to your application file
• The admissions committee reviews them as part of your academic profile
• If admitted, the registrar's office uses them to determine credit and placement

Potential Benefits of Sending AP Scores

Sending strong AP scores can:

• Strengthen your college application
• Demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework
• Potentially earn you college credit
• Allow you to place out of introductory courses
• Reduce your overall college tuition costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send my AP scores after I've submitted my college application?

Yes, you can send AP scores after submitting your application. However, it's best to send them well in advance of application deadlines to ensure colleges receive them during the review process.

What if I'm not satisfied with my AP score?

You have several options:

• Wait to send the score until you're ready
• Choose to withhold the score through Score Choice
• Consider retaking the exam in a future year

Do all colleges accept AP scores?

Most colleges and universities in the United States and many international institutions accept AP scores. However, policies vary regarding minimum score requirements and credit awarded. Always check with individual institutions.

How many AP scores should I send to colleges?

There's no set number, but generally:

• Send scores of 3 or higher
• Consider sending scores of 2 if you're applying to less selective schools
• Focus on scores relevant to your intended major

Can I send my AP scores to a college not on my initial list?

Yes, you can send scores to additional colleges at any time through your College Board account, though standard fees apply.

Conclusion

Submitting your AP scores to colleges is an important step in the application process that can benefit you both during admissions and throughout your college career. By understanding the various submission methods, timing considerations, and policies, you can ensure your scores reach colleges efficiently and effectively. Remember to research each institution's AP credit policies, take advantage of your free score sends, and consider using the Score Choice option strategically. Your hard work in AP courses and exams deserves proper recognition, so make sure your scores accurately reflect your academic achievements.