Should You Submit a Low AP Score?

A Smart Decision Guide for Parents of U.S. High School Students

Dear Parents,

It’s already July, and that means the results of the May AP exams are being released. Around this time every year, many concerned parents ask a common question:

“My child’s AP score was lower than expected. Should we submit it to colleges?”

This is an important and realistic question. While AP scores can play a role in college admissions, they are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. In this article, I’d like to help you make a wise and strategic decision about whether to report your child’s AP scores—especially if they are lower than expected.

1. Understanding the AP Scoring System

Before making any decisions, it’s essential to clearly understand how AP scores are interpreted.

AP Exam Score Scale:

5 – Extremely Well Qualified
4 – Well Qualified
3 – Qualified
2 – Possibly Qualified
1 – No Recommendation

While many colleges grant course credit for scores of 3 or above, admissions offices often evaluate these scores with a more critical lens.

How Colleges Interpret AP Scores:

5: Demonstrates top-level academic ability
4: Strong performance; positively viewed by most colleges
3: Average performance; submission depends on context
2 or below: Generally not recommended for submission

2. What Different Tiers of Colleges Expect

Expectations for AP scores vary by the competitiveness of the school.

Top-Tier Colleges (Ivies, Top 20):
Students typically average 4.3–4.6 across AP exams.

5 or 4: Strongly recommended for submission
3: Submit with caution—depends on context
2 or below: Best not to submit

Upper-Mid Tier Colleges (Top 21–50):
Average AP scores range from 3.8 to 4.2.

5 or 4: A clear strength
3: Likely acceptable to submit
2 or below: Not advisable to submit

Mid-Tier Colleges (Top 51–100):
Average AP scores fall between 3.5 and 3.9.

5 or 4: Strong asset
3: Safe to submit
2: Context-dependent

Other Colleges:

3 or higher: Usually safe to report
2: Could be submitted if it reflects personal growth or initiative

3. How to Decide Whether to Submit an AP Score

When deciding whether to report an AP score, consider these key factors:

A. Competitiveness of Target Schools
Refer to the tier-based guidelines above. You can also research the AP score distribution of admitted students.

B. Consistency With the Student’s Academic Profile
Compare the AP score with your child’s grades and test scores:

Example 1: If your child got an A in AP Chemistry but scored a 2 on the exam, it’s better not to submit.
Example 2: A B in the class but a 4 on the exam? Submitting can strengthen the application.

C. Relevance to Intended Major
Scores in subjects related to your child’s intended major matter more.

An engineering applicant who earned a 2 on AP Calculus BC should not report it.
A humanities applicant with a 3 in AP Physics may still choose to report it to show well-rounded effort.

D. Self-Reporting vs. Official Score Submission
Many schools allow self-reporting, meaning you can choose to report only your best scores during the application process and send official reports after admission.

However, some colleges require all AP scores to be reported—check each school’s policy carefully.

4. What If the Score Is Low? Alternative Strategies

A lower AP score doesn’t have to hurt your child’s application. Consider these options:

A. Emphasize Other Strengths

Highlight high GPA or SAT/ACT scores
Emphasize leadership, extracurricular depth, or unique talents

B. Retake or Take Other AP Exams

Students can retake AP exams, though scheduling and cost may be challenging
Consider taking other AP courses in senior year to build a stronger academic profile

C. Explain Context in the Application
Use the Additional Information section or personal essays to:

Explain extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergencies)
Share what your child learned despite the low score
Highlight perseverance and continued interest in the subject

D. Consult the School Counselor
A college counselor can help create a strategy and, if appropriate, address the situation in their letter of recommendation.

5. Case-by-Case Submission Examples

Let’s look at some specific scenarios:

Case 1: Applying to Harvard or MIT
- AP Calculus BC – Score: 3
- Recommendation: Do not submit.
Case 2: Applying to UC Berkeley, Planning to Major in Biology
- AP Biology – Score: 3
- Recommendation: Submit only if other science scores are strong.
Case 3: Applying to a State School
- AP English Literature – Score: 3
- Recommendation: Safe to submit. Viewed as a solid performance.
Case 4: Unrelated Subject
- Business Major Applicant, AP Art History – Score: 2
- Recommendation: Do not submit. Score and subject aren’t relevant.

6. Additional Considerations Beyond the Score

A. College AP Credit Policy

Some colleges grant credit starting at a 3, others only from a 4
Maximum AP credit allowed varies
Policies may differ by major—even within the same college

B. Alignment With Application Strategy

A “spiky” applicant should highlight scores relevant to their specialty
A “well-rounded” applicant can show diverse scores if they are solid

C. Relative Competitiveness

Consider how your child’s scores compare to peers from the same high school or region

7. Timeline-Based Strategy

Before Score Release (Early July):

Anticipate possible outcomes and develop a submission plan
Review AP credit and submission policies at target colleges

After Score Release (Mid-July):

Compare actual vs. expected scores
Make final decisions on what to submit
Research retake options if needed

During Application Season (Fall):

Use Common App’s self-reporting section strategically
Double-check each school’s AP requirements
Consider including context in essays if needed

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will not submitting a score hurt my child’s chances?
A: No. Most colleges treat AP scores as optional. There is no penalty for withholding a low score.

Q2: Is a score of 3 worth reporting?
A: It depends. For less selective schools, a 3 is fine. For highly selective colleges or major-related subjects, use caution.

Q3: Should my child retake the exam?
A: Only if time and resources allow. There are often better ways to strengthen the application.

Q4: What if my child’s class grade doesn’t match the AP score?
A: That’s common. If there’s a large discrepancy, and the score is low, it’s better not to submit it.

9. Final Thoughts

Whether or not to submit an AP score is a nuanced decision. It should be made in light of your child’s full academic profile, target colleges, and overall application strategy.

Most importantly, don’t let one score define your child’s future. AP exams are just one part of a holistic admissions process. Focus on highlighting your child’s strengths and crafting a consistent, compelling narrative throughout the application.

When in doubt, consult with your school counselor or a college admissions expert who can help you make the best choice for your child’s unique situation.

Need Personalized Guidance?
📧 Visit: www.eliteprep.com/contact-us
📞 Call or text: 470.253.1004

We’re here to help you develop a customized strategy for your child’s college journey.

Warm regards,
Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee – Powered by Elite Open School
1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127, Suwanee, GA 30024
📩 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
📞 470.253.1004
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