Do colleges care about AP exam scores?

Hello collegevine, I'm a high school junior and I've taken several AP courses. I'm curious about how important AP exam scores are in the college admissions process. Do colleges place a lot of weight on these scores, or are they more focused on my overall grades and coursework? Should I be concerned if I don't score very high on my AP exams? Thanks for your help!

Hello! I've gone through the college admissions process with my child, so I can offer some insight into the importance of AP exam scores. While AP scores can be a helpful factor in the admissions process, they are not the be-all and end-all. Colleges generally place more weight on your overall grades and coursework, as well as the rigor of your classes. In other words, it's more important to consistently perform well in your classes and challenge yourself with advanced courses than to have perfect AP scores. That being said, a good AP score can definitely be a bonus, as it demonstrates your mastery of the subject and your ability to succeed in a college-level course. If you don't score very high on your AP exams, don't panic. Just focus on maintaining strong grades, participating in extracurricular activities that you're passionate about, and crafting a compelling college application. Remember, colleges are looking for well-rounded students, so while AP scores might be a part of the puzzle, they're just one piece of the bigger picture. Best of luck with your college journey!