How to tell parents you got a bad AP exam score?

My score for the World History AP Exam was a 2. This was my first ap test and I had a feeling I didn’t do too well. The multiple choice portion was difficult for me even thought I studied the entire month before the test. My parents paid for the test so how should I tell them the money went to waste? And what could I do about my score? Other people posted about their score and it seems like everyone got at least a 3. This is the first time I failed a test.

Be kind to yourself. They love you.

Do not worry.

Just tell them “Mom, Dad, I got a 2 on my AP test.” Once that’s out you will feel better.

World History is notoriously hard. There are others who got 2s and 1s, but only the ones who did well are the ones talking about it. Do not worry.

Your parents love you and they will love you no matter what you scored.

I shockingly got a 3 and I studied the night before.

But don’t fret it, I got a 2 on Lang last year - LANG!!! I made up for it this year and got a 4 on Lit. Now you can come back next year and get a 4/5 on US or Euro!

Just tell them. They will love you no matter what your score us on an AP EXAM.

@zahnaynee im in the same boat as you got a 4 on ap chem and bio and it will never mean a thing because medical schools won’t accept AP credit for classes. But at least we have seen the material before so we will be well prepared to retake the course in college.

I’m happy that no one so far has offered the advice that you should blame your teacher.

I would guess that your parents would be too upset if you did really try to do well.

just tell them. they won’t be mad.

I’m a mom. I can’t imagine any parent who understands what AP scores are used for would care very much. Obviously it is nice to have credit or placement in college, and awards for good scores are fun at graduation, but otherwise, AP exam scores are meaningless. Schools don’t consider them in admissions, so AP scores really have no negative effect. Some of my friends’ kids take the AP classes and don’t even bother with the AP exam. So just tell your parents, it will be OK.

Ooops, meant to say “would NOT be too upset”

I agree with @Ruby789…my S is a very strong computer programmer, but scored low on AP Computer Science last year. I know he has the skills since he aced 3 DE college programming courses the next year, so I think the class instruction just did not align well with what was covered on the exam (his AP teacher is now working at a middle school). As a Mom, I cared more about his grade in the class (100%) and his effort than the AP score, because the coursework will help prepare him more for college. I am sure your parents will understand.

I’d tell them right away. Waiting won’t make it easier.