Sometimes low AP scores happen. That’s ok though because the best thing about a low AP score is that it really doesn’t have any negative consequences for you
You are not defined by your AP score, just as you are not defined by your grades or performance. You are more than any number.
If you want, you can make sure the AP scores you DON’T like are your own little secret. Read on for how to do that and for anything else you want to know about withholding your scores.
Can’t I just not send any scores at all?
Yes. You can avoid sending your AP score report on your college applications. That will prevent anyone from seeing either good or bad AP scores.
Do I need to fill out a score withholding form if I haven’t requested to get my AP scores sent to any colleges?
No. You do not need to use this form until you decide to send your scores to colleges.
How much will it cost to withhold my AP scores?
Well, each score that you withhold will cost you $10. But don’t forget that after your first free score report is sent, it will cost you $10 per report, PLUS the delivery fee ($15 for standard, $25 for rush).
Can I pick and choose which scores to withhold?
Yes. The score withholding form will let you choose exactly which subjects to hide scores from. So let’s say you got a 5 in APUSH and a 1 in AP Lit, you can choose to hide your AP Lit score. None of your colleges will ever know about your 1, and your 5 could help your college application and help you get credit. To see what kind of college credit you can earn for your score, check out The College Board’s Credit Policy Search
What does the June 15th deadline mean?
That’s a good question, because that’s a pretty confusing part of the form. The June 15th deadline only applies to anyone who already requested to send their scores to colleges in the following year. So if you fall into that category, you can’t withhold your scores. On the plus side though, if you already sent scores to your colleges, it probably means you’ve already heard back from the colleges that accepted you and it will make no difference if you got a 1 or not!
Where do I go to withhold my scores?
Go to the AP Withhold Scores page, read the instructions, and download and complete the form.
N.B. Double-check that the form you are filling out is definitely the form for the current school year!
FAQs
The fee to withhold a score is $10 per score per college, which does not include the cost to send your score report to the designated institution. You may later remove the withhold by sending AP Services a signed written request. There is no charge to remove a withhold on a score.
How do I hide my bad AP scores? ›
Instructions
- Download and fill out the AP Score Withholding Form. Fill out the form with your information, including which exam scores you want to withhold and from which recipients, and sign it. ...
- Have a form of payment ready. The fee to withhold a score is $10 per score per score recipient. ...
- Send the form and payment.
Not submitting AP scores for AP courses students take at their high school can raise red flags. But there are no hard and fast rules, such as not submitting 4s or 3s, as some suggest because, in some cases, students should submit those lower scores since admissions officers will assume even worse if they withhold them.
Do you have to show all your AP scores? ›
Your entire score history will be sent to your designated college, university, or scholarship program unless you choose to withhold or cancel any of your scores.
Can colleges see your AP scores if you don't send them? ›
Colleges typically ask students to self-report their AP scores on applications. As a result, they will see any scores you choose to report (and won't see any you choose not to report).
Can you get a 0 on an AP exam? ›
To clarify, it's quite rare and quite difficult to get a score of 0 on an AP exam. Typically, scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest possible score that indicates the student likely wasn't prepared for the level of the content on the exam.
Does a 3 on an AP exam look bad? ›
But what is a passing AP score? The College Board considers a score of 3 or higher a passing grade. That said, some colleges require a 4 or 5 to award credit. Whether a 3 is a good AP score depends on the colleges you're applying to.
Should I withhold a 2 AP score? ›
It is more important for you to get recognition for taking that AP in the first place than it is to earn your target score. If you earned a 3, 2, or a 1, consider withholding your score. These scores are not as strong and you may not want to include them in your application.
Is it better to cancel or withhold AP scores? ›
Strategic Control: Withholding scores offers control over the admissions process, letting students strategically choose which scores align best with their college application strategy. Timing Awareness: Be mindful of application deadlines, ensuring enough time to make informed decisions about sending scores.
Is 4 a good AP scores for Ivy League? ›
As far as reporting your score to Ivy League schools, each school may have a slightly different preference, but generally, a 4 is considered a 'well-qualified' score and should not necessarily hurt your chances. In fact, many colleges and universities even offer credit or advanced placement for scores of 4.
The first thing that you should do is check the AP Score credit policy for the colleges that you are applying to. If they will give you credit for the 3, then by all means report it! On the other hand, if they only give credit for a 5 on that exam (not even for a 4), you may want to hold off.
Should I send bad AP scores to colleges? ›
Will a bad AP exam score impact college admission decisions? No, colleges consider many factors outside of AP scores when deciding whether to admit an applicant. Generally, students should only submit high AP scores and for subjects related to their major.
Should I report a 3 on an AP exam to UC? ›
Although the College Board reports all AP test results to us, students should be aware AP test scores lower than 3 will not adversely affect their chances for admission.
Will bad AP scores hurt me? ›
You will not receive college credit
Either way, you shouldn't look at this as a scary consequence. The worst that can happen is that it is as if you never took the exam, if you don't self-report or send in the official score. It won't actually impact you negatively, it will just fail to provide a possible benefit.
What AP class has the lowest passing rate? ›
At many high schools, AP Physics is notorious for its difficulty level. In addition, it has the lowest overall pass rate of any AP exam.
What happens if I fail an AP exam but pass the class? ›
The good news is that a failed exam does not affect your GPA. In addition, you can retake the AP exam the next year. To prepare, you can re-enroll in the class, study on your own, or hire a tutor who can help you tackle the more challenging subjects on the test.
What happens if you withhold an AP score? ›
This prevents the selected college or program from seeing those scores. Students may choose to withhold an AP score if they question their performance on the exam or want to view it before their college does. Unlike canceling a score, withholding does not permanently delete that score.
Does not sending AP scores hurt? ›
Your class grade won't be affected, and colleges will still be impressed that you took an AP course. Colleges won't see your scores, if you don't report them. So, even if you are unsure if you'll pass, it's a good idea to opt to take an AP course.
What does it mean to withhold an AP score? ›
Withholding a score means a student may opt not to send a particular score to the college/s you indicated on your answer sheet. Note that unlike a canceled score, a request to withhold your score does not permanently delete it. A withheld AP test score will still be sent to your high school.
