When and how do I send my AP scores to colleges?

Finally survived the AP exams, but now I'm clueless about the next step. When should I send my scores to colleges, and how do I actually do that? Anyone who's been through this, your wisdom is super appreciated.

Sending your AP scores is a relatively straightforward process. First and foremost, congratulations on completing your AP exams! Now, with respect to the "when" aspect, you typically send AP scores after you've received admission and decided which college to attend. This generally tends to be in the summer before you begin college, as you're finalizing your high school transcript. This is because, while your scores do not play a significant role in college admissions, they can be useful once you're admitted for purposes such as placing out of certain requirements or earning credits.

As for the "how", the process is managed by College Board. You'll need to log in to your online College Board account and use the "AP Score Reporting Services." You can select the university you wish to send your scores to and pay the associated fee. It's currently $15 to send your AP score report to a college. In case, you've been approved for a fee waiver by College Board, this step might not apply.

Remember to check the AP credit policy at the school you plan on attending, as it varies from one institution to another. Some schools give credit for a score of 3 or higher, while others may only give credit for a 4 or 5, and others still might only give credit for certain courses. The AP credit policy should be available on the school's website, or you can contact the university’s registrar’s office if you can't find it.

Nevertheless, discuss your plan with your high school counselor to make sure you're making the right moves, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your particular situation. Best of luck for your college journey ahead!