Quick question, guys, because this has been bugging me and my friends: Is scoring a 6 on an AP exam actually a thing or just a myth? Everyone knows about scores from 1 to 5, but some upperclassmen are saying you can get a 6. What's the real deal?
Hi there! I'm glad you reached out to clear this up. The talk of a '6' on an AP exam is indeed just a myth. Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. The College Board, which administers the AP exams, has never awarded a 6 on any AP exam. A score of 3 is typically considered passing, and is generally the minimum score that could possibly earn you college credit or placement out of intro-level college courses, though this can vary by institution and subject.
A 4 or 5 is generally viewed very favorably by colleges and universities, and can also earn you college credit and course exemptions, depending on the college, the course, and the AP subject in question. It's great to aim high, but in the world of AP exams, a 5 is the top of the mountain to climb. Keep focusing on doing your best on those exams; even without a mythical '6,' a strong performance can still open doors for you academically. Good luck with your studies!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.