AP exam scores

Answered

There's been lots of questions on APs recently so I'm hoping to help spread some knowledge on the actual effects of submitting your scores. Many people seem to think that AP scores make-or-break your application when in reality AP scores have very little impact on your admissions chances. Admissions officers care much more about your course rigor and the grades you received in your AP classes than what you scored on your test.

Knowing where you are applying can help me give you a more informed answer but generally if you are applying to selective schools you shouldn't send in a 3. At less selective schools 4s/5s can be enough to set you apart but 3s won't give you that same edge. That's not to say it can't be helpful, it's just not as impactful. Where APs might come into play, especially as you get into the more selective schools, is comparing students of similar profiles. If you're being considered against another student and you took APs while they did not, you'll be more likely to be accepted. If both of you took APs it will come down to scores typically. This article, https://blog.collegevine.com/how-important-are-ap-scores-for-college-admissions/, explains a bit about the role AP scores play in admissions. You need to ask yourself if the potential benefit of sending in a 3, along with the 5s, outweighs the benefits of just sending in 5s. Do you think that additional 3, when sent with the 5s and rest of your app, will give you an edge over other candidates? If yes, submit it. If you think the 5s alone, along with the rest of your app, are strong enough and are concerned that a 3 might be looked at negatively then err on the side of caution and don't submit it.

Hope that helps a bit and happy to answer any follow-up questions.