Will colleges see my AP exam scores when I apply?

I have heard that colleges only view one’s ap exam scores after they are accepted. I hope that this is true because my ap exams did not go so well this year.

They only “see” what you send them and there is no point in sending an official score report until you have been accepted. The Common App lets you self report, but it’s option - list all/some/none of your scores.

Showing your scores on the Common App may very well support your case. And not presenting a score related to your possible major can be noticed and leave adcoms wondering why it’s missing, what was wrong.

Later, you send the official report to the registrar for credit. First, you have to be admitted. So make your best stand.

What if I plan to study business? There are not many ap classes that fall under that category (except for economics, but I will not know my score until right before I go to college)

Depends on how competitive admission is. The more selective, the more they can want to see how you did. Most colleges have various distribution requirements, after all, and many kids change majors.

Btw, based on some of your other questions, you may want to look at a sample app and any supps your targets may have.

What about it?

Sure there are. English and statistics for starters. Besides, that’s not the point. Colleges want’s you to pursue the most rigorous courseload that you can handle that covers all core subjects. They don’t expect any HS student to be specialists. AP scores themselves will not make or break an application; they are primarily used for placement and/or credit.