Kind of freaking out because I don't think I did well on one of my AP exams. Will scoring a 1 hurt my college chances? Should I report it or just leave it out when I apply? Any advice would be appreciated!
Firstly, I want to assure you that experiencing anxiety about test results is common, and it's okay to feel this way. Regarding whether a score of 1 on an AP exam will hurt your college chances, it’s important to remember that AP scores are primarily used for college credit and placement, not admissions decisions. Colleges do look for students who challenge themselves, and taking an AP class already shows that initiative.
In terms of reporting, you have the option not to submit your score of 1 to colleges. You can self-report your higher AP scores and omit the lower ones. Admission offices review your transcript for course rigor, and AP courses will be noticed regardless of exam scores. If you decide not to report your score, it will not be considered in the admissions process. However, be mindful that some colleges do require all AP scores to be sent.
Ultimately, the rest of your application—your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations—will be the primary factors in your admission. Focus on highlighting your strengths in those areas. Don’t let one exam score define your entire academic record. Many students don't do as well as they hope on AP exams but still go on to gain admission to great colleges.
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