Sometimes low AP scores happen. That’s ok though because the best thing about a low AP score is that it really doesn’t have any negative consequences for you
You are not defined by your AP score, just as you are not defined by your grades or performance. You are more than any number.
If you want, you can make sure the AP scores you DON’T like are your own little secret. Read on for how to do that and for anything else you want to know about withholding your scores.
Can’t I just not send any scores at all?
Yes. You can avoid sending your AP score report on your college applications. That will prevent anyone from seeing either good or bad AP scores.
Do I need to fill out a score withholding form if I haven’t requested to get my AP scores sent to any colleges?
No. You do not need to use this form until you decide to send your scores to colleges.
How much will it cost to withhold my AP scores?
Well, each score that you withhold will cost you $10. But don’t forget that after your first free score report is sent, it will cost you $10 per report, PLUS the delivery fee ($15 for standard, $25 for rush).
Can I pick and choose which scores to withhold?
Yes. The score withholding form will let you choose exactly which subjects to hide scores from. So let’s say you got a 5 in APUSH and a 1 in AP Lit, you can choose to hide your AP Lit score. None of your colleges will ever know about your 1, and your 5 could help your college application and help you get credit. To see what kind of college credit you can earn for your score, check out The College Board’s Credit Policy Search
What does the June 15th deadline mean?
That’s a good question, because that’s a pretty confusing part of the form. The June 15th deadline only applies to anyone who already requested to send their scores to colleges in the following year. So if you fall into that category, you can’t withhold your scores. On the plus side though, if you already sent scores to your colleges, it probably means you’ve already heard back from the colleges that accepted you and it will make no difference if you got a 1 or not!
Where do I go to withhold my scores?
Go to the AP Withhold Scores page, read the instructions, and download and complete the form.
N.B. Double-check that the form you are filling out is definitely the form for the current school year!
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