Wondering mostly for T20 schools, but for other schools is fine too, specification would help. Thanks!
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A single 3 is fine not to submit. There are valid reasons, other than getting below a 4, that exist for not having an AO score, and AO’s are not going to ponder which is applicable in your case
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Did you take the class or just the exam (on your own)? If the latter, I wouldn’t submit.
If you took the class then you’re probably better off submitting because if you don’t, the schools may wonder why you didn’t.
The challenge is, if you did well in the course (got an A) that may offset the AP score but could raise questions about grade inflation. On the other hand if you didn’t do as well in the course either, it will hurt you a bit.
I’m saying “a bit” because this will be only one of many other factors that will influence the admission decision at these selective schools.
AOs are not stupid people. If you took 10 APs and submit 8 scores, they will guess why you are not submitting the other two.
I have heard folks say that one should never submit AP scores until July after they have decided where to go.
Is the 3 that you got relevant to the major you are applying for? If you are an English major and received a three on the AP Lang exam then don’t submit it. The same thing applies to STEM majors and exams like Physics/Bio. If it is unrelated then I don’t see a harm in submitting it. I don’t think it will negatively affect you but it won’t benefit you either.
Generally, I’d say no. In a less-competitive admissions pool, it’s probably fine
I suspect that showing an AP course and no AP exam score will not lead to an assumption of a better result than a 3.
A 3 is unlikely to be worse than an “either didn’t take it or got a 1, 2, or 3, as a student would certainly submit a 4 or 5” assumption.
So I’d submit it. AP exam scores mean little in admissions considerations, so it’s likely either choice will mean about the same.
AOs generally don’t make assumptions about things that aren’t in the file. Students may not take APs for any number of reasons, especially during the Covid era (we know quite a few that didn’t). If you have several 4’s and 5’s and a couple of 3’s or lower, you can safely withhold the lower scores without worrying that it will be held against you.
Our CC said only to submit only 4 and 5 scores - ones that strength the file.
The AO will not make assumptions about a score that’s not there. Even pre-covid, there were lots of kids who didn’t test for any number of reasons.