A common trend that I have been picking up in the “application decision result” threads is that students who received, at most, one three got either deferred or rejected. Rarely have I encountered an admitted person with a three on an AP exam. This trend isn’t exclusive to Harvard as other ivies defer/reject three-receivers too. I am aware that there are countless other factors weighed during the admissions process. But if my objective is to get into Harvard, should I be concerned if I have a three? Or should I think about retaking that AP exam so that my score increases to the level of my other AP scores? Thanks!
Your theory makes no sense as you don’t even need to report AP scores on the app. No one should be voluntarily reporting a 3.
Just don’t report the 3.
Many families can’t afford $90*3 or 4 or kids simply don’t take the test.
Depends on the level of college. For Harvard, maybe not. For UMich (which is highly regarded, but gives credit for 3’s) definitely report.
Anyway, back to the OP. One should not look for statistical validation by reading decision threads on this site. Those reporting their decisions are not a representative subset of the total applicants.
If you get rejected, it will not be the result of a 3. Don’t retake. Move on. You have better things to do with your time.