How do colleges view a 3 on an AP exam?

Hi everyone! I recently took an AP exam and scored a 3. How does this score look on college applications? Should I reconsider reporting it, or is a 3 typically seen as acceptable by colleges?

Hello! A score of 3 on an AP exam is generally considered as 'passing' or 'qualified,' meaning students have demonstrated understanding of the material at a basic college level. Most colleges do view a 3 as acceptable, especially for non-elite institutions. However, keep in mind that highly selective colleges may be looking for scores of 4 or 5, particularly if it's in your intended major or a subject related to that field.

With that being said, it is essential to remember that AP exam scores are not a large determining factor in college admissions. Colleges consider a range of factors, including your course rigor, grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and test scores (if required). Admissions committees care a lot more about your performance in the AP class over the course of the year rather than the one test. Additionally, some colleges allow you to choose which AP scores to report, so you may decide to report higher scores over a 3 if you have any.

In summary, a 3 on an AP exam is acceptable for most colleges, but consider the selectiveness of the colleges you're applying to and other available scores before making a decision on reporting this score.