How to Send AP Scores to Colleges

Like it or not, AP scores matter when it comes to applying to colleges. Though it's not "bad" if you don't take a single AP class throughout high school, choosing to take on challenging courses can make a world of difference.

That means sending AP scores to the colleges of your choice is a crucial part of the admissions process. And let's face it. If you've taken an AP class, you're going to want to show off your scores to your schools—which you should!

Today's article is all about knowing how to send your AP scores to colleges. I will discuss what AP courses are, when it's ideal for sending them, and how you can maximize your chances of getting into a university or scholarship program just by enrolling in AP courses.

My goal is to provide you with as much context on the score reporting system as possible and lead you toward academic success. Let's get into it!

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What Are AP Scores?

Before we get into the logistics of how to send your advanced placement (AP) scores to colleges, first, we need to understand what AP scores are and how they are used.

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. These scores represent the student's academic performance. Let me break it down:

• 5: Extremely well qualified (equivalent to A+ or A)
• 4: Well qualified (equivalent to A-, B+, B)
• 3: Qualified (equivalent to B-, C+, C)
• 2: Possibly qualified
• 1: No recommendation

How each college and university weighs AP scores depends on the institution. However, many colleges grant college credit (or AP) for a score of 3 or higher. It's important to note that highly competitive institutions may typically look for scores of 4 or higher.

Be sure to check with each college for their AP credit policies, and if you need further guidance, check with your current school to see if they offer AP services for students.

AP courses can show colleges you're ready for university-level work. Read about what AP courses are, which classes are available, and whether they're right for you.

When to Start Sending AP Scores

When it comes to sending your AP scores to colleges, you want to send them as soon as you take your AP exam. You can start taking AP exams as early as junior year. You'll also want to know when AP scores come out so you can plan ahead.

Every year, the College Board administers an AP exam for high school students. College Board gives you one "free score send" to send to the school of your choice. Your official AP score report will include the exam you just took, as well as all past AP exam scores. This ensures you get each college credit or placement earned.

The deadline to send your free online AP score report to colleges is June 20, 2025. After June 20, you can still send your scores for a fee. Visit College Board for more details.

How to Send Your AP Scores: 5 Quick Steps

As someone who took an AP class in high school and kicked major honors butt, I can't express the amount of pride I felt after completing it because if you've ever taken or are currently taking an AP class, you know it's not for the weak. So yeah, I couldn't send my scores fast enough. Luckily enough, sending AP scores is the easy part.

Here’s how to send your AP scores to colleges in 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Create or Log in to Your College Board Account

As I previously stated, AP exams are administered by the College Board every year, so you'll need to start there.

1. Go to the College Board website.
2. Click on “Sign Up” (to create a new account) or “Log In” (if you already have an account).
3. Fill out your personal information (i.e., your name, address, email, etc.).
4. Once your account is created, you’ll be able to access your AP exam scores and request score reports.

Step 2: Check Your AP Scores

AP scores are typically released in early July, so you'll be able to view your scores online via your College Board account. Once your scores are available, review them before sending your score to your free score send recipient.

Step 3: Determine Which Colleges Receive Your Scores

Before sending your AP scores, you need to decide which college you want to send them to first. Check with each school to determine their AP credit policies and understand their specific requirements for AP score submissions.

Please note: Some schools may only accept AP scores that are sent directly from the College Board, while others may allow students to self-report their AP scores in the application.

Step 4: Request the Score Report

Once you have reviewed your AP scores and know which school you're sending them to, you will need to:

1. Log in to your College Board account.
2. Go to the "AP Scores" section.
3. Click on “Send Scores”.
4. Search for and select the college/university you are sending your scores to.
5. Select the AP exams you wish to send.
6. Review and confirm your selection.
7. Send.

After your first free send, the College Board charges a fee of $15 per score report for each school you send your scores to after that.

Step 5: Wait for Your Scores to Be Processed

Now, the waiting game. After submitting your request to send your AP scores, there is a processing time of 7 to 14 business days before the schools you requested will receive your scores. Processing times can vary depending on the college or university.

Bonus Step: Follow Up

If you haven’t heard from your school regarding your AP scores after some time has passed, don't hesitate to follow up with the admissions office to confirm they have received them. You can also double-check your College Board account to make sure they were processed and sent properly.

If you're working on sending AP scores, you're probably applying to college soon. Apply for these high school senior scholarships as well!

Tips for Sending AP Scores

Although they are easy steps to follow, I understand there are grey areas for everything, so here are a few things to consider when sending your AP scores:

1. Send Scores Early: Use your free score and send your scores to colleges at any time, but it’s best to do it before the June 20 deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Send Scores to Multiple Schools: If you’re applying to several schools, use your free send scores first, then to all other schools at once to save on extra fees.
3. Self-Reporting AP Scores: Some colleges allow students to self-report AP scores directly in their application. However, most schools require the official score report before giving credit or advanced placement.
4. Retake Exams (if Necessary): If you feel that your AP exam scores aren’t where you'd like them to be, think about retaking the exam. However, if you do retake the exam, you will need to send your updated scores to your college(s) of choice.
5. Know Your College’s AP Credit Policy: Colleges vary in how they use AP exam scores. Some schools award credit for a score of 3, while others require a 4 or 5. Be sure to research each college’s AP policy first.

If you're wondering, you do not need to send AP scores twice. If you choose to retake the exam and there is a new score to report, sending your most recent score report is enough. AP score reports include scores from tests taken within the last four years, excluding withheld or canceled scores. Exams older than four years become archived scores and can be accessed at the student’s request for a fee.

Applying for college soon? Check out our guide on what to write your college essay about.

Withholding AP Scores

In the case that you're not satisfied or simply want to withhold your scores from submission, there is a way to do so. Students can formally request to withhold one or more AP scores from any college, university, or scholarship program. Let me explain:

1. Log into your College Board account
2. Download the AP Score Withholding Form
3. Complete the form
4. Pay the $10 fee (per score withdrawn)
5. Sign the form
6. Mail or Fax form to:AP Services
   P.O. Box 6671
   Princeton, NJ 08541
   Or 610-290-8979

Please note: If you are choosing to withdraw a score sent to a college, per the College Board, students have until June 15 of the year they took the exam to send their withholding request form.

The College Board can reinstate the score for free at any time at the student’s written request.

AP Cancellation vs Withholding

Along with withholding scores, the College Board also allows students to cancel an AP score, which will remove that score from a score report. If the AP exam the student wishes to cancel is in the process of being scored, it will not receive a score. If it’s already been scored, that score will be excluded from the AP student score reporting.

Unlike withholding, canceling an AP score is permanent and cannot be reversed. To cancel an AP score, you must:

1. Download the AP Score Cancellation Form
2. Mail or fax form to:AP Services
   P.O. Box 6671
   Princeton, NJ 08541, or
   Fax: 610-290-8979

The deadline to submit the cancellation form is June 15th the year you took that exam. The College Board does not charge a fee to cancel an AP score.

Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities

Like having high solid SAT/ACT scores, high AP test scores can give you an advantage when applying to universities and scholarship programs. With AP courses, you demonstrate academic value to admissions teams, quality, and academic abilities.

If you choose not to submit your AP test scores or additional score reports, admissions representatives will not have the opportunity to see your academic excellence, and your chances of securing school funding will decrease.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sending AP Scores to Colleges

When should I start sending AP scores to colleges?

When it comes to sending your AP scores to colleges, you want to send them as soon as you take your AP exam. Check your college’s deadline to make sure you don't miss the date. However, the deadline to send your free online AP score is June 20, 2025. After June 20, you can still send your scores for a fee. Visit College Board for more details.

Do AP scores get automatically sent to colleges?

No, you need to choose what scores will be sent to what colleges. Using your free score send means that when the test is released, the college or scholarship program you're sending scores to will receive the report. For more control over which scores go where wait for them to be released.

Can I choose which AP scores to send to colleges?

Yes! However, the College Board allows you to send one free score to a college of your choice. Any other score recipient will require you to pay a fee. Contact AP services to verify what's best for you. Just know your AP scores give you a direct shot at colleges, universities, and scholarship programs.

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