I am looking at applying to top colleges as my GPA and ACT score are up to par. The downside of my application would be my AP scores, as even though I succeeded in my AP classes, I got 3’s thus far on all four of my AP tests. Should I send these scores in for a school such as Northwestern, or should I keep them off my application? This may make it seem like I am hiding the scores and create doubt in the admission office.
You don’t send in AP scores for college application. You only need to send in the scores when you matriculated. You may choose to self report the AP scores on CommonApp though. Getting 3 is not that bad.
I would say report them. 3’s are not bad. You want to report them to tell colleges that you passed (if you don’t and you took the AP class in school they assume you got a 1) and for credit. You never know if a school will give credit for a 3, and it might allow you to skip introductory courses at some schools.