Are AP exam scores factored into admission decision?

[Anonymous]

How do AP exam scores impact college admissions? I understand admission decisions take into account the specific AP course taken and the grade received as it is reflected on the HS transcript. I get that high AP exam scores can earn college credit after admission. But, do colleges also consider the actual AP exam score during admission decisions? If someone self-studies for an AP exam and scores a 5 without taking the course (which means, it is not listed on transcript), does the high score contribute to their admissions profile in any way? If AP exam scores are relevant, what is the best way to highlight them in a college application?

[Anonymous]

You can self report scores in the common app.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Not at all.

[Anonymous]

Yes of course. The more prestigious the college the more likely they are to care.

[Anonymous]

AP scores from Jr year and before can help strengthen an applicant, especially if applicant's school is not well known to the Admissions folks.

[Anonymous]

You can self-study and a good score won’t hurt your appl. But it’s more important to take the course and get a good grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope. Not at all.

This blanket statement is false. We know that Emory wants AP scores if you don’t submit SAT scores. See 2023 Selingo interview. Sara Harberson talks about a candidate being rejected for having a 4 instead of a 5 on an exam. We know in Selingo’s book a 4 on AP Calc actually helped an applicant over the hump.

[Anonymous]

Hopefully

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope. Not at all.

This blanket statement is false. We know that Emory wants AP scores if you don’t submit SAT scores. See 2023 Selingo interview. Sara Harberson talks about a candidate being rejected for having a 4 instead of a 5 on an exam. We know in Selingo’s book a 4 on AP Calc actually helped an applicant over the hump.

How would she know this?

[Anonymous]

Our college office says AP scores matter a lot if applying to schools in the UK and very little if applying in the US.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the school. Few require AP test scores, many consider them if submitted, some explicitly don't consider them.

[Anonymous]

Ignored

[Anonymous]

Why wouldn’t they consider them over grade inflated grades? Lots of kids can get straight As but it’s not as easy to earn four or five 5s on Junior year APs.

[Anonymous]

T10 schools give little/no course credit for the AP tests.

However, it’s a data point to compare your child to other students at your high school. And if you are a student who took 6 challenging APs your junior year and got all 5s, that can make you stand out. But it’s just part of the overall package.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do AP exam scores impact college admissions? I understand admission decisions take into account the specific AP course taken and the grade received as it is reflected on the HS transcript. I get that high AP exam scores can earn college credit after admission. But, do colleges also consider the actual AP exam score during admission decisions? If someone self-studies for an AP exam and scores a 5 without taking the course (which means, it is not listed on transcript), does the high score contribute to their admissions profile in any way? If AP exam scores are relevant, what is the best way to highlight them in a college application?

Here is a good article: https://www.compassprep.com/how-colleges-use-ap-scores/