Exam score matters the most, followed by course grade, if offered and enrolled. Conversely, if course is taken and a decent grade is achieved, not taking the exam or canceling a low score or not reporting score, would be a red flag, unless an explanation is provided.

Both grades matter. The school grade matters as part of the overall GPA/transcript. The exam grade usually matters in terms of earning college credit.

For AP courses in high school, do colleges consider the grade given by high school or the grade student gets in college board exam or do both grades matter?