When Applying for College Admission: Are Admissions Officers Allowed to See Unsubmitted AP Exam Scores?

Colleges often use marketing services to gather information and entice applications. These services may provide aggregated data on students who have taken or signed up for AP tests to colleges. However, it's important to understand that colleges do not directly receive individual student data for these purposes.

Understanding AP Scores and College Application

The College Board, the organization behind AP exams, sells this aggregate information to marketing services, including bundles of students who have taken the tests. However, the specific details of individual student performance, including AP scores, are not directly shared with colleges. Instead, colleges typically have access to your high school transcript, which only shows the grade you received in your AP class. High school transcripts do not include test scores.

What Do Colleges Know About My AP Exams If I Don't Send My Scores?

Unless you choose to send your scores to a college, the admissions officers will not be able to see your AP scores. The process of sending scores is handled by the College Board, which is responsible for AP exam administration. This means that if you do not request that your scores be sent, the college will not receive them. It is significant to note that different colleges may have different policies on AP scores, and it is essential to review the guidelines of each college you plan to apply to.

The Risk of Not Sending AP Scores

Some colleges may require all standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. If you fail to send your AP scores and your college later discovers this, it could lead to the revocation of your admission or degree. It is not advisable to take this risk.

Choosing to Send AP Scores

Your AP scores can significantly enhance your college application. They demonstrate your academic capabilities and your readiness for college-level coursework. However, you may decide not to send your AP scores if you believe they do not accurately reflect your abilities or if you performed poorly. Ultimately, it is your decision whether to send AP scores to colleges.

Key Points to Remember

You can choose whether to send your AP scores to colleges through the College Board. Not all colleges require AP scores as part of their application process. Reviewing each college's specific policies is crucial before making your decision. Not sending required scores could lead to adverse actions regarding your admission or degree.

By understanding the nuances of college admissions and AP scores, you can make a well-informed decision that best aligns with your educational goals and future plans.