What does scoring a 5 on an AP exam signify?

I'm hearing a lot about aiming for a 5 on AP exams. How significant is it to score that high, and do colleges really care about the difference between a 4 and a 5?

Scoring a 5 on an AP exam is generally considered the highest level of achievement. It signifies that you are extremely well-versed in the subject matter, with a strong understanding of the complexities and nuances of the topic. While a score of 4 is also commendable and indicates solid knowledge, some of the more competitive colleges may make distinctions between a 4 and a 5 when they consider AP scores during admissions. However, it's important to remember that AP scores are usually not the make-or-break factor in college admissions. Colleges do look favorably on students challenging themselves with AP courses and performing well on the exams, but this is just one piece of a much larger admissions puzzle. It’s also worth noting that scores of 4 or 5 can often earn you college credit or advanced standing once you are enrolled in college, which can be a great way to save time and money by skipping introductory courses. For example, a student I worked with last year received a 5 on her AP Biology exam, which allowed her to move directly into more advanced science classes at her university. This doesn't mean that a score less than 5 doesn't have value – a 4 is still a strong score that can be awarded credit or placement in many institutions as well.