Do Colleges Look at Your AP Scores if You Didn’t Attend Their School?

Applying to colleges often involves submitting various pieces of information, including Advanced Placement (AP) scores. However, one common question that comes up is whether AP scores are considered by colleges to which you didn’t apply. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence whether colleges look at these scores, and how they can impact your academic profile.

AP Scores and College Admissions

When you apply to colleges, you have the option to submit your AP scores along with your application. These scores can provide valuable information about your academic abilities and can be used by admissions officers to make more informed decisions. According to Masterclass Space, colleges generally consider AP scores as part of the admissions process, regardless of whether you eventually attend their institution.

College Consideration of AP Scores

Colleges take into account AP scores primarily to gauge a student's performance in college-level coursework. High AP scores demonstrate a level of academic preparedness and motivation. In some cases, colleges may even request or encourage the submission of AP scores even when you don't plan to attend their school.

How Colleges Evaluate AP Scores

While AP scores are important, their weight in the admissions process varies. Some colleges place significant emphasis on these scores, especially for specific majors or programs. However, many admissions departments consider them as just one factor among many. Here’s how colleges evaluate AP scores:

Course Rigor: AP scores can indicate the difficulty and rigor of the classes you took in high school. Extracurricular Activities: High AP scores can complement other parts of your application, such as extracurriculars and community service. Essays: AP scores can provide context and reinforce points made in your personal statement.

Colleges may compare your AP scores with the courses you took at your high school to assess your academic achievement. This helps them understand the context in which you performed on the AP tests, and it can provide a more comprehensive view of your academic capabilities.

Privacy and Confidentiality

It's important to note that college admissions officials treat applicants' information with strict confidentiality. If you send your AP scores to a school but don't attend, the college will store the information securely. According to the guidelines from the College Board, AP scores and transcripts are only available to the schools you send them to.

The only colleges and universities that will see your scores and transcripts are the ones to which you send them during your application process. If you do not attend the school, your application folder will be shredded, and the information will be destroyed. Under no circumstances will any information be disclosed.

Should you choose to attend a school, your transcript and scores will become part of your permanent student file. However, if you do not enroll, the information will be securely stored and then destroyed.

I hope this information puts your mind at ease! Understanding how AP scores are used in the admissions process can help you make informed decisions as you navigate the college application journey.