Will getting bad AP test scores make or break me?

<p>Hi. So this is going to sound really lame because it IS really lame, but I got a 4 last year on the AP World exam and I'm pretty sure I got a 4 on the AP U.S History and AP Physics exam as well :( I'm terrified that this is going to keep me out of the schools I have been working so hard for (my dream school is Columbia), and it'll really suck because I need the financial aid they offer, etc. </p>

<p>My question is: even if I have good grades (4.6 GPA weighted, 4.0 GPA unweighted), a good SAT score (2350) and extracurriculars that I am passionate about, will these bad AP test scores keep me out of top colleges? Thanks so much.</p>

<p>No. GPA and SAT scores are arguably more important. You may not get college credit with those scores though, but I don’t think they will be a major deciding factor in admissions.</p>

<p>I agree with the above poster. A 4 is by no means a bad score, by the way. Your GPA, SAT score, and extracurriculars should give you a good shot at Columbia.</p>

<p>As a side note, a 4 on Physics can count for credit (but not exemptions) at Columbia. Best of luck!</p>

<p>I didn’t even report my AP scores and it worked out fine for me.</p>

<p>Won’t break you.</p>

<p>4’s aren’t bad scores. They’re above average and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about. Also, AP scores are self reported. If you get a 3 in an important subject or a 1/2 in anything else, you can just not report the scores.</p>

<p>Particularly with your GPA and SAT score, you do not need to be worried about some 4’s of all things!</p>

<p>You’ll be fine. I have a friend (I know not the most reliable source but trust me) who got a 2 on AP French and is going to ucla (she got into Barkley and northwestern and nyu also). I have another friend who got into UC Davis for animal science, he got a 1 on the AP bio exam. The test lasts one day and has a lot of pressure so if you don’t do well colleges understand. Besides, a 4 is very good and your gpa is amazing so obviously you get the material at school, don’t worry about it.</p>

<p>You guys are all so amazing. Thank you so much for replying and basically making my week.</p>