I got a 4 on AP stats because I panicked and ran out of time on the free response questions. However, this was my best class in high school (got a 100 on every test) and I wanted to major in stats at a top college (Harvard). Will this score hurt my chances at getting into a top college like Harvard. I’ve heard mixed opinions on how important AP scores are, and I am really panicking about this 4.
No.
AP scores will carry little to no weight in the admissions process; they are mainly used for credit and/or placement. Regardless, a 4 is still a good score.
Don’t panic! If you don’t want to submit it, Don’t. I don’t think it is a huge deal. It’s one test. If you want to major in Stats, you would probably want to take it over at Harvard anyway.
If you don’t get into Harvard, it won’t be because of the 4 on an AP Stats exam.
A 4 is still a good score. It means you understand a lot about statistics. So think about it for a few seconds. Then consider what do single digit acceptance rates really mean? There are tens of thousands of students who get all 4’s and 5’s on multiple AP exams, and there are only a very limited number of spots at the elite schools.
I recall one ivy admissions officer telling a group of families that they can’t admit everyone who is deserving, so they try to focus on admitting the confident kids who don’t panic about the single A- on their academic record, but who instead have shown they learned from the experience. The message was that if you’re competitive for a great school like ____, you’ll do great wherever you land.
Best of luck to you!
A 4 is a great score. Nothing to worry about. I would submit it to any school.
same boat 
that stats test was hard.
Thanks! All of your responses were really helpful!!