I didn't do well on one of my AP exams and got a score of 1. Will this hurt my chances with college admissions? Do I have to report it or can I just not send the score to colleges?
It's understandable to be concerned about a low AP score. However, it's important to note that AP exam scores do not hold much weight in the college admissions process. Colleges focus more on the AP courses you take and your performance in those classes as they demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous coursework.
You are not required to report every AP exam score on your college application. You can choose which scores to send as part of your score report, so if you don't feel comfortable reporting your 1, you don't have to. Many colleges allow you to self-report your scores on your application and only require official score reports if you decide to attend and want to claim credit for your AP coursework.
Keep in mind that admissions officers will still see that you took the AP course and note the grade you received, which can demonstrate your academic abilities. Focus on doing well in your other courses, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, and crafting strong essays to strengthen your application. One low AP score will not make or break your application, as colleges evaluate applicants holistically, taking many factors into account.
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