Bad AP scores, what to do?

Hello all,

I am currently in the process of apply to college. I have a big question. So I have taken 4 AP classes 2-2s and 2-3s. I know that these are not great. But I do have a good reason for theses low scores. My dad was diagnosed with cancer a few days before my AP exams started. I do feel that this impacted my test performance. My question is do I choose to self report them and explain why in the “do you feel that there is something not represented by your application” section or do I just not self report the poor scores. By the way I am applying to well known liberal arts colleges, and I am using the common app.

If I was in your position, I would not report these scores. A 3 is just passing, and a 2 is not. AP scores do not play a role in admissions, so you would be fine just not telling colleges what you got.

Don’t report them. The vast majority of colleges don’t even consider AP scores for admission.

You don’t have to report any AP score.

You haven’t named colleges, so we do not know AP scores don’t matter. They test performance and your class grade. If a college does look for them, the omission can be just as serious.

If you tell us the colleges, your other stats, and possible major, then we might be able to help with some perspective. In any case, rather than explain poor scores, drawing attention to them, and pointing it at an external, I think I’d say don’t report them and hope the schools see it as an oversight. Your GC can tell that there was a family issue and that the scores do not reflect the potential he/she sees in you. Sorry about your father. Best wishes.