I failed an AP test. Now what?

Applying to College
1

This year, I got a 5 on Statistics and a 5 in Psychology. However, I got a 2 in Human Geography.
None of these scores will be reported on my high school transcript. I self studied human geography, so the class will not be listed on my transcript at all.

I understand that these scores will be used for placement/credit in college: the 5s could possibly get credit, while the 2 obviously will not. It is my understanding, however, that this placement/credit process takes place after admission. Is this correct? In other words, you send these scores after you get accepted to whatever colleges? If so, this would mean that these AP scores have no bearing on the admissions process? Or am I going to be required to send these AP scores during the admissions process as well, including my 2 on human geography?

Assuming I do not have to send the AP scores before admissions, and assuming I obviously don’t self-report the Human Geography on the common application, this means that there is absolutely no way that the Human Geography score will have any bearing during the admissions process, since the colleges cannot see the score anyways, correct? (I am really hoping for this to be true.)

Or am I going to forced to send all AP scores no matter what during the admissions process?

On the college board website, it says that I have the option to “cancel my scores?” What exactly does this even mean? Would cancelling my Human Geography score prevent colleges from seeing it during the admissions process?

Or if AP scores are sent after the admissions process is complete, then what would even be the point of cancelling AP scores, since they wouldn’t affect admissions anyways?

I’m just really confused right now, and if someone could clear up my uncertainties, I would love you.

Thanks in advance.

2

Don’t worry about it. People on this forum seem to worship AP exam scores. At worst, you won’t get credit for it.

If you don't report the score, colleges will assume that:

• Financial hardship prevented you from taking the exam
• You were not motivated enough to take the exam
• You took the exam and performed poorly (1 or 2)
The first one will not affect your application; the last 2 may raise an eyebrow. AO’s can, and have, contacted GC’s to explain why there are no AP scores reported.

(credit goes to @skieurope ^^^)

Yes, you can cancel a score anytime if you fill out a cancel request form. If you’ve sent the scores already, then it’s too late to cancel them if you don’t want those specific colleges to see them. And yes, if you cancel, colleges won’t see it.

3

You self-studied human geo so schools will have no idea you took that, at least for admission purposes. Just don’t self-report that one.

4

^ I missed that part. You are right. OP has nothing to lose by choosing not to report the score.