Do colleges see AP transcripts?

Just wondering, do colleges automatically receive our AP transcripts when we apply? Or do we need to manually send the scores?

No, colleges do not automatically receive your AP transcripts when you apply. Unlike with the SAT or ACT, where scores can be sent directly to colleges, the College Board does not send your AP scores to colleges unless you instruct them to do so.

Although, it's important to know that most colleges don't require the official AP score report during the admissions process. They mainly focus on your course grades and rigor of your course load, not your AP scores. Most of the time, self-reporting your AP scores on the application is enough.

But after you've been admitted and you choose to enroll, you need to send an official AP Score Report from the College Board if you want to use those scores to receive college credit or advanced placement. There is a small fee associated with sending official AP Score Reports, unless you send it to one college during the free score send period in the year you took the exams.

Make sure to check each college's policy regarding AP scores to ensure you're correctly meeting their requirements.