How do AP score sends work?

I'm in the process of sending my AP scores to colleges, but I'm a bit unsure about the procedure. How do I send my AP scores to colleges, and is there a deadline for doing so? Should I send all my scores, or just the highest ones? Please help, thanks!

When sending your AP scores to colleges, the process is fairly straightforward. To do so, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the College Board website and log in to your account. If you don't have an account already, you'll need to create one.

2. Once logged in, navigate to "My AP" and locate the "Score Reporting Services" section.

3. You'll see options to send your scores to colleges. To add a college, you'll need to input the college's four-digit code or search for the college by name.

4. The first time you send your scores to four colleges is usually free if done within a certain period of enrolling in the AP exam. After that, the College Board will charge a fee per college for additional score sends. Make sure to double-check this information on their website to see if your send is free or has an associated cost.

5. Review and confirm the colleges you want to send your scores to, along with any associated fees, and complete the submission process.

Regarding deadlines, every college has different requirements, so it's essential to look up the individual schools you're applying to for specific deadline information. Typically, the deadline to send AP scores aligns with your application deadline (e.g., Early Action/Early Decision/Regular Decision).

As for which scores to send, it's generally recommended to send all your AP scores, as most colleges prefer to see the full picture of your academic achievements. However, if you feel that a particular low AP score doesn't reflect your capabilities or may potentially harm your chances of admission, consult the admissions guidelines of the specific college to determine if they require all scores or just your highest ones.

Remember, AP scores play a relatively minor role in the college admissions process compared to your GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other factors. However, they may contribute to showcasing your academic rigor, so it's important to make an informed decision on which scores to send. Good luck!