How Bad is Getting a 2 on an AP Exam?

So I got a 2 on one of my AP exams, and I'm kinda freaking out. How negatively will this impact my chances at top colleges? Is there anything I can do to make up for it in my college applications?

First, take a deep breath! While a 2 on an AP exam isn't ideal, it's important to remember that AP scores don't hold as much weight in the college admissions process as the actual AP courses and grades you receive in those courses. Colleges are more interested in the rigor of your high school curriculum and how you did in a class over a longer period of time than they are in your performance on a single exam.

That being said, it's understandable that you're concerned. The good news is that you don't need to report all of your AP scores when applying to colleges. Many colleges allow you to self-report your scores on your applications, so you can simply choose not to include the 2, unless a specific college requires you to submit all AP scores (although such policies are rare).

Additionally, AP exams can cause a lot of stress, but in reality AP scores don't carry much weight in the college process. Focus on the other, more important aspects of your application – GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), extracurricular involvement, and essays – to demonstrate your strengths as a candidate.

Remember, college admissions officers evaluate applicants holistically, by taking into consideration many factors beyond standardized test scores. So, while a 2 on an AP exam isn't ideal, it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker. Focus on doing well in your AP courses, engaging in high-quality extracurricular activities, and crafting strong essays to make up for the lower score, and remember that at the vast majority of colleges, you likely won't even have to submit that 2!

If you'd like to reassure yourself with a more detailed overview of the quite small role AP scores play in the college process, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-important-are-ap-scores-for-college-admissions/. Good luck with your applications!