Can You Retake an AP Exam?

Are you stressed about your AP exam score? What happens if you don’t get the score you were hoping for? Like you, many students wonder if they can retake an AP exam for a shot at a higher score.

Whether you’re aiming to impress colleges or just unsatisfied with your performance, this blog is here to answer all your questions about AP exam retakes. We’ll cover everything from answering burning questions like “Can I actually retake an AP exam?” and “Is it worth the extra effort?” to deciding if a retake is the right move for you.

Can You Retake an AP Exam?

Yes, you can definitely retake an AP exam if you want to improve your score. While the exams are only offered once a year in May, you have the option to register for the same exam again in the following year.

It’s important to note that all your AP exam scores will be included on your report unless you specifically request to withhold or cancel a particular score. This score control option allows you to control which scores colleges see during the application process.

There’s also an option for unforeseen circumstances. If an unexpected issue occurs during the exam you were scheduled for or prevents you from testing on your scheduled dates, your AP coordinator will advise whether a late testing date is available. This allows some flexibility in cases of emergencies or situations beyond your control.

How Many Times Can You Retake an AP Exam?

There’s no limit on the number of times you can retake an AP exam. Since the exams are offered annually in May, you have the chance to register for the same subject again in any subsequent year. This flexibility allows you to strategically improve your score if you weren’t satisfied with the initial result.

AP Score Options: Withholding vs. Canceling

You have two choices regarding your AP scores if you’re not satisfied with the results: withholding or canceling them.

• Withholding scores: This prevents your scores from being sent to colleges you previously selected. Colleges won’t know you took the exam at all. Withholding is reversible, but there’s a fee involved. Each score you withhold from a college costs $10, and if you later decide to release the score, it’s another $15 per college. To withhold scores, you need to complete a form on the College Board website by June 15th of the year you took the exam.

• Canceling scores: Unlike withholding, canceling permanently removes your score from your College Board record. This action cannot be undone. There’s no fee to cancel scores, but the deadline remains the same, i.e., June 15th of the exam year, via the College Board website.

Note: Regardless of your choice (withholding or canceling), both options must be completed by June 15th of the exam year.

Challenges and Benefits of Retaking an AP Exam

Deciding to retake an AP exam requires careful consideration. While retakes are possible, remember that they demand significant time and effort. You’ll be juggling new classes the following year and studying for the retake, which occurs a year after your initial course.

However, a retake can be worthwhile under certain circumstances. Here are some scenarios where a retake might be worthwhile:

• Test-day illness: Being sick on exam day can significantly impact focus and performance.
• Outdated study materials: Using outdated resources or materials geared toward an older version of the exam can lead to confusion and missed information.
• Learning disability diagnosis: If you were diagnosed with a learning disability after taking the exam, accommodations could have significantly improved your score.
• Previous schedule constraints: Perhaps juggling a heavy course load or extracurricular commitments hindered your ability to fully prepare for the AP class. If your schedule has freed up, a retake might be a good option.
• Test-taking oversights: Forgetting essential strategies, like using a calculator or referencing formulas, can lead to missed points.

From the Desk of Yocket

Retaking an AP exam offers a chance to redeem yourself if you underperform the first time. A higher score can give you college credit. This can potentially save you time and money in the long run. It can also make your application more competitive for colleges that place a high value on AP scores, and some universities even award scholarships based on these scores. Let’s not forget the personal satisfaction of mastering a challenging subject.

However, retaking requires a significant commitment. You’ll need to balance studying for the retake with your current academic workload, which can be stressful. The test itself also comes with a financial cost, and there’s no guarantee you’ll see a substantial score improvement. Before you jump back in, consider your overall academic goals. Are there alternative ways to strengthen your application, like focusing on other standardized tests or extracurricular activities? Carefully weigh the potential benefits against the time and financial investment involved to make the best decision for your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake an AP exam?

Yes, you can retake any AP exam offered the following year. AP exams are only given once a year in May, so you’d register again for the next May administration.

How many times can I retake an AP exam?

There’s no limit on retaking AP exams. You can take them every year they’re offered.

Should I retake an AP exam?

Consider a retake if you’re unhappy with your AP score and it impacts your college credit or admissions goals. Colleges typically consider the highest score you earn. A score of 3 might not warrant a retake, but for highly selective colleges, a higher score might be beneficial.