AP Score

The AP scoring scale uses five levels: 5 (Extremely well qualified), 4 (Well qualified), 3 (Qualified), 2 (Possibly qualified), and 1 (No recommendation). These qualifications refer to a student's readiness to receive college credit or advanced placement in the corresponding college course. Scores are determined by combining performance on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections of each exam.

Raw scores from the multiple-choice and free-response sections are weighted and combined into a composite score, which is then converted to the 1-5 scale using statistical methods that account for exam difficulty. The College Board uses a process called equating to ensure that scores are comparable across different exam administrations and years, so a score of 4 in 2025 represents the same level of achievement as a 4 in any other year.

College credit policies for AP scores vary widely among institutions. Most selective colleges grant credit for scores of 4 or 5, while many state universities accept scores of 3. Some highly selective institutions (such as certain Ivy League schools) may grant advanced placement but not credit, or may have recently restricted their AP credit policies. Students should verify the specific AP credit policy of each college they are considering, as these policies can change from year to year.

Scores are released to students in July each year and can be sent to colleges through the College Board's score-sending service. Students may choose to withhold or cancel specific scores if they are not satisfied with their performance, though there are deadlines and fees associated with these options. Strong AP scores can strengthen college applications, demonstrate mastery of college-level content, and potentially save time and tuition costs by allowing students to skip introductory courses.