Do AP Exam scores of 3 hold value?

Hey y'all, I took a couple of AP exams and scored a 3 on them. I'm a little bit stressed about how much weight these scores carry during college admissions. Will my score of 3 hold any value, and should I still report them on my applications?

Hello! Don't stress too much about your AP exam scores of 3. In the college admissions process, AP exam scores are generally not weighed heavily - the number of AP courses you take and the grades you get in them are more important, since they demonstrate a desire to challenge yourself and consistent achievement throughout the year. That being said, a score of 3 is considered "qualifying" by the College Board, meaning it shows you have a sufficient level of mastery in that subject.

When it comes to reporting your scores on your applications, some colleges may allow you to choose which scores you report, while others may require you to report all your scores. It's essential to check the specific requirements for each college you're applying to.

If given the option to self-report test scores selectively, you might decide to report 3s depending on the context. For instance, if your 3s are in subjects that are not closely related to your intended major or not aligned with your academic strengths, they might help demonstrate that you're well-rounded even in areas other than your primary strengths. On the other hand, in subjects related to your intended major or academic strengths, you may want to focus on reporting only higher scores.

Overall, while AP exam scores are a part of your application, don't stress out too much about a 3, as you likely won't even have to report them, and there are plenty of other factors that will demonstrate your academic readiness for college.

Good luck!