Introduction
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are rigorous standardized tests that provide high school students with an opportunity to earn college credit and placement. While AP scores can be a valuable asset for students, there are times when it may be beneficial to withhold these scores from colleges. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to withhold AP scores, including the reasons why you may want to do so, the process for withholding scores, and the potential consequences.
Reasons for Withholding AP Scores
There are several reasons why you may want to withhold AP scores from colleges. These reasons include:
- Low Scores: If you received a low score on an AP exam, you may want to withhold the score to avoid negatively impacting your college applications. Colleges typically prefer to see high AP scores, and a low score may raise concerns about your academic abilities.
- Inaccurate Scores: If you believe that your AP score does not accurately reflect your knowledge and abilities, you may want to withhold the score. This could be due to factors such as test anxiety, illness, or technical difficulties.
- College Preferences: Some colleges may have specific policies regarding AP scores. For example, some colleges may not accept certain AP scores for credit or placement. If you are aware that a particular college has such a policy, you may want to withhold the score to avoid any potential issues.
- Personal Reasons: You may also withhold AP scores for personal reasons. For example, you may not want to disclose your scores to certain colleges or you may not want to have your scores used for placement purposes.
Process for Withholding AP Scores
The process for withholding AP scores varies depending on the testing organization. For College Board AP exams, you can withhold your scores online through the My AP website. The deadline to withhold scores is usually a few days after the scores are released.
To withhold your College Board AP scores, follow these steps:
- Log in to the My AP website.
- Click on the “My Scores” tab.
- Select the test that you want to withhold the score for.
- Click on the “Withhold Score” button.
Once you have withheld your scores, they will not be sent to any colleges or universities. You can view the status of your withheld scores at any time by logging into the My AP website.
Potential Consequences
There are some potential consequences to withholding AP scores. These consequences include:
- Missed College Credit: If you withhold a high AP score, you may miss out on earning college credit for the corresponding course. This could potentially save you time and money in the long run.
- Delayed Course Placement: If you withhold a high AP score, you may be placed in a lower-level college course than you would be if you had submitted the score. This could result in having to take additional courses to satisfy your degree requirements.
- Negative Impact on College Applications: If you withhold a low AP score, it could potentially damage your college applications. Colleges may view this as a sign that you are not well-prepared for college-level work.
Conclusion
Withholding AP scores can be a valid option for students who have low scores, inaccurate scores, or personal reasons for not wanting to disclose their scores. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences before making a decision. If you are unsure whether or not to withhold your AP scores, it is recommended that you consult with your high school counselor or a college admissions advisor.
Additional Tips
- Be aware of college policies: Before making a decision, make sure you are aware of the AP score policies of the colleges you are applying to. Some colleges may have specific requirements or preferences for AP scores.
- Consider your long-term goals: Think about how withholding AP scores may impact your long-term goals. For example, if you plan to major in a field that requires a high level of math, withholding a low AP Calculus score could put you at a disadvantage.
- Talk to your high school counselor: Your high school counselor can provide valuable advice and support throughout the college application process. They can help you assess your options and make the best decision for your future.
