How to Hide AP Test Scores from Colleges

Updated on [Date], this guide provides detailed advice on how to manage your AP test scores when applying to colleges, especially if you have retaken an exam and improved your score. This includes methods to hide or cancel previous, lower scores to ensure your application showcases your best performance.

1. Cancellation of a Previous Score

If you took a previous AP Biology test and received a score of 3, but subsequently scored a 5 in the same subject when you retake the exam, you should consider canceling the earlier score. This can be done through the official College Board website. Here’s how:

Log in to your College Board account. Navigate to the 'Scores' section. Locate the score you want to cancel and follow the instructions provided to remove it from your record.

This action removes the lower score from your overall AP record, ensuring that only your most recent and highest scores are considered by colleges.

2. Direct to Testing Bureau

If you want to manage your scores more directly, you can request the testing bureau to send only your recent score. This can be achieved by:

Contacting the testing bureau. ,,Instruction: Add a step explaining how to contact the testing bureau-,Communicating your request to send only your most recent test score.

This approach gives you more control over which scores are sent to your colleges, ensuring that only your updated and improved scores are considered.

3. AP Score Management Options

While AP does not offer the same score choice option as the College Board for SAT scores, there are still ways to manage your AP scores effectively:

Deleting a Score: For free, you can delete a score without submitting it to any colleges. This can be done through the College Board website. Withholding Scores: If you want to hide a specific score from certain colleges but still submit it to others, you can use the score withholding option. This can also be done through the College Board website.

Given that you improved from a 3 to a 5, the best course of action is to cancel the previous score. This ensures your application reflects your strongest achievements.

4. Sending Scores to Colleges

When submitting your AP scores to colleges, practicing selectivity can be beneficial. Here are some tips:

Consider Sending Scores 3 or Above: High scores (3 or above) are more likely to be considered for college credit. Even if a specific college requires a 4 or 5 for credit, a 3 may still be granted credit later. Flexibility in Policy Changes: College credit policies can change. If a 3 is eventually determined to be worthy of credit, it’s easier to change your application later than to resubmit older scores.

By sending only your highest scores to colleges, you present a stronger application and increase your chances of securing valuable college credit.

Conclusion

Managing your AP test scores can significantly impact your college applications. By canceling or withholding lower scores and strategically submitting only your best scores, you can ensure that your application effectively showcases your academic achievements.

For more information or assistance, visit the official College Board and AP Center.