I am really confused on self reporting AP scores on the common application. I know many people say I should because it shows colleges that I actually bothered taking the test while others advise not to since it has no bearing on your admission process at all. My scores are not great, and I didn’t even pass two of the tests I took.
Do colleges consider AP scores during admission process or is it only considered after you’ve been accepted? Should I report my AP Scores? and if I do, can I pick and choose which ones to report, or is that considered dishonest? Any advice will help greatly!!
My (sad sad) AP scores
Chemistry-3 USHistory-2 Physics-2 World History-3 English Language-4 Seminar-4 Calculus BC-4
AP scores carry little to no weight in the admissions process; they are mostly used for placement and/or credit. In terms of reporting your scores, the Common App lets you self-report, so you can list all/some/none of your scores. If your class appears on your transcript as AP, I’d recommend reporting your score, particularly if you scored a 3+. Withholding scores may cause the AO to 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 on the application.