Hey everyone! I just got my AP scores back, and I got a 3 on one of my exams. I'm a little bummed about it. Will this hurt my chances of getting into a good college? Should I try to retake the exam, or just accept the score and move on?
3 months ago
Hey there! While getting a 3 might not be the result you were hoping for, it's important to understand that AP scores don't play a significant role in the college admissions process. What colleges primarily look for is the rigor of your coursework and your performance in those classes, rather than the AP scores themselves.
A score of 3 is considered "qualified," which means you have demonstrated a basic understanding of the material. Most colleges and universities accept 3's for credit or placement, but this varies depending on the institution. If you're concerned about the credit aspect, you can research the specific AP credit policies of colleges you're interested in.
Furthermore, there's no option to retake an individual AP exam outside of the annual testing window, so it's best to move forward and focus on your future courses, extracurriculars, and other aspects of your application. Remember that one AP score won't make or break your college application - colleges will consider your application holistically, looking at everything from your transcript to your activities and personal essay. Keep working hard and maintain a strong academic record, and don't let this score discourage you. Best of luck!
3 months ago
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A score of 3 is considered "qualified," which means you have demonstrated a basic understanding of the material. Most colleges and universities accept 3's for credit or placement, but this varies depending on the institution.
Does a 3 on an AP test 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.
Will colleges accept a 3 on an AP exam? ›
Colleges are generally looking for a 4 (“well-qualified”) or 5 (“extremely qualified”) on the AP exam, but some may grant credit for a 3 (“qualified”). These scores mean you have proven yourself capable of doing the work in an introductory-level college course.
Is it bad to submit a 3 on an AP exam? ›
As a general rule, the more selective the institution, the more applicants they will have with stellar AP scores. Think about how you will compare and make a call with that it mind! The bottom line is to remember that a 3 is a very good score! Congratulate yourself for taking on the challenge and doing well!
Is a 3 on an AP exam bad for Ivy League? ›
If the score is not self-reported, admissions officers will be inclined to presume the student scored a 1 or a 2 on the exam. So even if a student scored a 3, it's safe to assume admissions officers will assume even worse.
Does UCLA accept 3 on AP test? ›
Credit from Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
UCLA awards college credit for AP exams with scores of three or higher.
What is the most failed AP exam? ›
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.
Does Harvard accept 3 on AP? ›
Harvard only accepts AP® scores of 5 for course credit. If you have 4 scores of 5, you can opt to obtain Advanced Standing. You can use AP® credits to opt-out of lower-level classes.
Does Harvard accept AP score of 3? ›
Credits are earned by scoring 5 on a minimum of four AP tests. Certain AP examinations test material covered in one semester only, and for each of these, Harvard confers only one half credit toward Advanced Standing. For more information, visit Harvard's website.
What is a 3 on an AP exam equivalent to? ›
AP Exam scores of 3 are equivalent to grades of B-, C+, and C in college. The multiple-choice section is scored by computer.
While applying, you'll have the option to self-report your scores. However, you shouldn't self-report the 3 if you're applying to very selective schools. If you google AP credit policy search and go on CollegeBoard, you'll be able to see which universities give credit for a score of 3 on APUSH.
Which AP is easiest? ›
Easiest AP exams by pass rate
| AP Subject | Pass Rate (Exam Score of 3+) | Median Score |
|---|
| Ap Physics C Mechanics | 73.4% | 3.41 |
| AP Psychology | 58.3% | 2.71 |
| AP Research | 82.7% | 3.3 |
| AP Seminar | 82.6% | 3.19 |
34 more rowsJan 13, 2023
Please submit your official scores for all Advanced Placement exams for which you have earned a score of 3 or higher. ALL final, official exam results must be received by July 15th.
Does Yale accept 3 on AP test? ›
Yale accepts scores of 4 and 5 on the AP® exams for credit. The score requirements vary by department. You can use your AP® credits to “accelerate” your Yale education.
What percent of the AP test is a 3? ›
As a general guide, though, you can consider roughly more than 70% correct as being in the 5 range, 50-69% for a score of 4, 40-49% for a score of 3, 30-39% for a 2, and below 30% would likely be a 1. Again, these ranges are approximations and can vary by subject and by year.
Is a 3 on AP stats good? ›
The College Board deems scores of 3, 4, and 5 as passing scores. Qualitatively, scores of 3, 4, and 5 are designated as “qualified”, “well qualified”, and “extremely well qualified” respectively. High AP® scores can can improve college applications and qualify you for college credit.
Does failing AP exam look bad? ›
Colleges will not look at your score
You will not be required to send your AP score to your colleges unless you want to earn college credit.
