How do colleges view AP classes and scores?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I've taken a few AP classes. I'm wondering how colleges view AP classes and scores during the admissions process. Do they care more about the class grade or the exam score? Thanks!

Hi there! From my experience with my child's college admissions journey, colleges tend to view AP classes as a way to gauge your ability to handle more challenging coursework. They like to see that you're pushing yourself academically and taking the most rigorous classes available to you at your high school. When it comes to AP scores, colleges typically use them more for placement purposes and to award college credit once you're admitted. However, they still like to see good scores, as it shows you've mastered the material. Between the two, your class grade is generally more important, as it reflects your performance and effort throughout the entire school year. That being said, it's still beneficial to aim for high AP exam scores, as it can save you time and money in college by allowing you to skip certain courses. Best of luck with the rest of your junior year!