<p>I'm sorry if this comes off as bragging - I have nothing to boast about, really - I'm genuinely curious.</p>
<p>I only took 2 APs last year, but was happy when I found out I got 5s on both of them. I mean, it's only two, but they were my very first APs. Then, I saw a bunch of threads/posts on Tumblr about how AP scores don't matter and adcoms don't care about your scores at all. I'm not sure if sad is the right word, but 5s suddenly seemed like those "student of the month" awards at school - things that have very little worth, and are just supposed to boost your self-esteem once in awhile.</p>
<p>So, how much do AP scores really matter if you decide to send them in? I know you can qualify for a bunch of "awards" if your average AP score is 3+ or 4+ or you take more than 8, etc., but those don't seem /that/ sought after, either.</p>
<p>Yes AP scores matter depending on the college you attend. Many colleges give college credit for scores ranging between 3-5. Required scores vary–most colleges now require a 4 or 5 to receive credit. Even if the subject is not part of your required credits for your major they may count as elective credit towards your final credit total. Every credit you don’t have to take in college is money in your pocket so those good AP scores can be worth thousands of dollars. If a college does accept them for certain freshman core classes it will free you to take other electives or reduce the number of total semester hours you need which makes your workload much less.</p>
<p>You’ll read that PSAT scores don’t matter either–but they are what National Merit Scholarships are based upon. Again depending on where you want to go to school that can range from zero to full rides. </p>
<p>High SAT scores can get you into the honors college at most schools with their additional perks. Before you say “good enough” on your SAT taking check to see what the cut off for honors college is at the schools you’d like to attend. </p>
<p>@gouf78 - Thanks! Ah, okay. I know that 5s can get you credit at a lot of colleges, but HYPSM pretty much accepts no AP credits (with the exception of 1-2 classes). 
Oh well, better 5s than 4s and 3s, I guess.</p>