College applications can feel overwhelming. Between your GPA, SAT or ACT scores, essays, and extracurriculars, you’re juggling a lot. But there’s another tool in your application toolkit that often gets overlooked: AP scores and SAT Subject Tests.
These scores can seriously boost your application—if you use them strategically. Let’s break down how they work and how to make them work for you.
What Are AP Scores and Subject Tests?
First, let’s clarify what we’re talking about.
AP Scores come from Advanced Placement exams. These are subject-specific tests you take after completing an AP course. Scores range from 1 to 5, with 3 or higher generally considered passing.
SAT Subject Tests were subject-specific, one-hour exams in areas like Math, Science, History, and Languages. However, the College Board discontinued these in 2021. If you took them before they ended, you can still submit those scores.
Since Subject Tests are no longer available, we’ll focus primarily on AP scores—but the strategic principles apply to both.
Why Do AP Scores Matter?
You might wonder: “If I already have good SAT/ACT scores and a strong GPA, why do I need AP scores?”
Great question. Here’s why they matter:
They prove you can handle college-level work. AP courses are designed to mirror introductory college classes. Strong AP scores show admissions officers you’re ready for the academic rigor of college.
They demonstrate subject mastery. A 5 on AP Calculus BC proves you truly understand advanced math—not just that you memorized formulas for a test.
They show intellectual curiosity. Taking AP exams (especially in subjects you’re passionate about) shows you’re genuinely interested in learning, not just checking boxes.
They can make up for other weaknesses. If your GPA dipped junior year but you still scored well on AP exams, it shows you know the material despite what your transcript might suggest.
How Colleges Actually Use AP Scores
Here’s something many students don’t realize: you’re not required to send AP scores with your application to most colleges.
AP scores are typically self-reported on your application. You choose which scores to include. Once you’re admitted and decide to enroll, you’ll send official scores if you want college credit.
This gives you control. You can highlight your best scores and leave off ones that didn’t go as planned.
However, some highly selective colleges (especially Ivy League and top-tier schools) appreciate seeing all your AP scores—even the lower ones—because it provides context about your academic journey.
Strategic Submission: Which Scores Should You Send?
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
Send scores of 4 or 5. These are strong scores that strengthen any application.
Consider sending 3s strategically. If you took an extremely challenging AP (like AP Physics C or AP Chemistry) and got a 3, it might still be worth including—especially if you’re not applying to ultra-competitive schools.
Skip 1s and 2s. These won’t help your application. Since reporting is optional, there’s no benefit to including them.
Match scores to your intended major. If you’re applying as a biology major, that 5 on AP Biology is gold. The 3 on AP European History? You can skip it.
How Many AP Exams Should You Take?
There’s no magic number, but context matters.
Students at competitive high schools might take 8-12 AP courses throughout high school. Students at schools with limited AP offerings might take 2-3.
Admissions officers understand your school’s context. They’re not going to penalize you for not taking APs that weren’t available to you.
What matters more is:
Quality over quantity. It’s better to take 5 APs and score well than take 10 and burn out, getting mediocre scores.
Strategic selection. Choose APs that align with your interests and intended major. If you want to study engineering, AP Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry matter more than AP Art History.
Challenging yourself appropriately. Colleges want to see you took the most rigorous courses available to you. But “most rigorous” doesn’t mean “every single AP offered.”
When AP Scores Really Shine
AP scores can be especially powerful in specific situations:
1. When Your School Doesn’t Rank or Has Grade Inflation
If your school doesn’t provide class rank or is known for grade inflation, strong AP scores provide an objective measure of your abilities.
2. When Applying to Competitive STEM Programs
A 5 on AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, and AP Chemistry sends a clear message: you’re ready for rigorous STEM coursework.
3. When Your Test Scores Are Borderline
Let’s say your SAT Math score is decent but not outstanding. A 5 on AP Calculus can demonstrate mathematical ability beyond what that SAT score suggests.
4. When You’re Homeschooled
AP scores provide standardized validation of your coursework for admissions officers who might have questions about homeschool curricula.
Beyond Admissions: The Practical Benefits
Strong AP scores don’t just help you get in—they help you once you’re there.
College Credit: Many colleges award credit for scores of 4 or 5 (sometimes even 3). This can save you thousands of dollars and let you skip intro courses.
Advanced Placement: Even if you don’t get credit, you might place into higher-level courses, allowing you to pursue your major more deeply.
Graduation Flexibility: College credit from APs can free up your schedule for double majors, study abroad, internships, or graduating early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Taking APs Just for the Application
Don’t take AP courses you have zero interest in just because you think it looks good. Admissions officers can tell when you’re genuinely engaged versus just resume-building.
Mistake #2: Overloading on APs
Taking seven APs senior year might sound impressive, but if your grades suffer or you’re miserable, it’s not worth it.
Mistake #3: Not Reporting Any AP Scores
If you took AP courses but don’t report any scores, admissions officers might wonder why. It can look like you did poorly. Report your strong scores to show you followed through.
Mistake #4: Assuming All Colleges Care Equally
Large state universities might focus more on GPA and test scores, while smaller liberal arts colleges might dig deeper into your AP performance and course rigor.
What If You Don’t Have AP Options?
Not all high schools offer AP courses. That’s okay.
Look for alternatives:
- Dual enrollment at community colleges
- Honors courses at your school
- Online AP courses through accredited providers
- Self-study for AP exams (yes, you can register and take AP exams even without taking the course)
Colleges evaluate you based on what’s available to you. If your school offers 2 APs and you take both, that’s just as impressive as someone at a school with 30 APs taking 15.
The Bottom Line
AP scores are a powerful tool in your college application arsenal, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle.
They work best when they:
- Align with your academic interests and intended major
- Demonstrate consistent effort and mastery
- Complement your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars
- Tell a coherent story about who you are as a student
Don’t stress about taking every AP under the sun. Instead, be strategic. Choose courses you’re genuinely interested in, prepare thoroughly, and let your scores reflect your true abilities.
Remember: colleges want to admit real people, not robots with perfect stats. Your AP scores should support your narrative—not become your entire identity.
