Will having all 4s on AP Exams look bad

Answered

Hey @IvyLeagueGirl, great question! When you eventually get to filling out your college application in a few years you'll notice that there is not a space dedicated to entering your AP scores because they technically aren't required. There is a place to submit your test scores though which means you're able to self-report any AP scores you receive. Obviously being able to write that you received all 5s on your tests would be great and might help set you apart from some candidates but some 4s probably won't be looked at particularly positively or negatively. What admissions officers will look for more is your course load and academic rigor. The fact you've already taken 3 APs through 10th grade, and did well on the exams, will most likely have a more positive impact on your application than submitting some 4s, which will likely have almost no impact on your chances.

For a bit more context, the actual weight of an AP score on your admissions chances are typically pretty minimal. Of course, this will vary from school to school but AP scores shouldn't be considered a make-or-break aspect of your application. Where they might be used is if an Admissions Officer is considering two almost identical students for admission to their school. If one student took APs and one didn't, the one who took APs will get the boost (assuming the scores are solid. If they aren't it would be more beneficial to submit nothing). If both took APs then it will come down more to the difference in which APs were taken and the scores received on those tests. When it comes to Ivy League admissions you'll need whatever edge you can get to stand out. If you're able to get 5s these next two years you could consider only submitting the 5s but I don't think three 4s, while you were in 10th grade, will have a negative impact. Luckily you're in control for which scores you want to submit so if you're afraid only 4s will have a negative impact on your chances you could just not submit scores.

This article (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-important-are-ap-scores-for-college-admissions/) goes into AP scores a bit more and expands a little on what I wrote here. I'd recommend checking it out. If you have questions on anything I wrote or follow-up questions you'd like answered let me know, more than happy to help!