When Do the AP Exam Scores Come Out?
The AP exams are over, and you’ve hopefully aced them all! But now comes the agonizing wait for your scores. These scores can determine college credit, course placement, and even scholarship opportunities, so it’s natural to be anxious. This blog will end your suspense and let you know if your hard work has paid off. We’ll tell you exactly when to expect your AP exam scores and what to do in the meantime.
When Do the AP Exam Scores Come Out?
The AP results are typically released in July. It comes roughly two months after the exams themselves. This wait allows the College Board (the organization that administers AP exams) to process the millions of tests taken each year.
The specific dates for AP exams vary slightly from year to year. In 2024, for instance, exams were held over a two-week period from May 6th to May 10th and May 13th to May 17th. Retakes for students who missed the initial testing window were offered from May 22nd to May 24th. You can find the exact dates for your specific AP exams on the College Board website.
Regardless of the test dates, all students must be patient after taking their AP exams. The College Board has not yet announced the exact release date for 2024 scores, but in past years, scores have typically been released in early to mid-July. It’s important to note that the release process can take several days, and scores are often rolled out by geographic region. This means that students on the East Coast might receive their scores before students on the West Coast. So, refreshing your College Board page throughout the first two weeks of July might be a good idea.
Why Do AP Scores Take So Long to Come Out?
The scoring process for AP exams is multi-step. While multiple-choice sections can be graded quickly by machine, many AP exams also include free-response questions that require a more nuanced approach. Because these questions demand in-depth analysis and evaluation, scoring them takes significantly more time.
To ensure consistent and accurate assessment, a dedicated group of educators comes together each year to work on this task: AP readers. This group typically comprises high school teachers with strong subject matter expertise and college professors who can evaluate student responses from a college-level perspective.
The reading process starts in early June. Traditionally, AP readers gather at designated scoring sites across the US for a week-long intensive session. Here, they meticulously read through and score free-response essays written by students across the country. However, in recent years, the College Board has introduced a home-based option for qualified readers. Regardless of the location, all scoring adheres to strict timeframes established for each specific AP exam.
How to View AP Scores?
Once AP scores are released in July, you can access them online through your College Board account. This is the same account you used to register for your exams and access My AP resources. Before scores are released, it’s a good idea to confirm that you can successfully log in to your College Board account and update your email address if necessary. Having duplicate accounts can delay receiving your scores.
Upon logging in, you should be able to view your AP scores directly on your dashboard. The score report will detail the year you took each exam, the specific exam name, and your final score on a scale of 1 to 5. Remember, a score of 3 is considered passing, and most colleges require at least a 3 for awarding credit.
Note: The online score report won’t provide any additional details beyond the year, exam name, and overall score. You won’t see breakdowns for multiple-choice sections or free-response questions.
Obtaining a physical copy of your AP scores
While online access is the primary method for viewing scores, you can download an unofficial PDF copy of your report for your records. This PDF will include all the AP exams you’ve taken in the past. However, keep in mind that unofficial reports typically aren’t accepted by colleges for credit purposes. If you need an official score report sent to colleges, you’ll likely need to use the College Board’s score-sending service, which may incur a fee.
Make the Most of Post-AP Exam Time
The wait for AP scores can be stressful. Since there’s no way to see them before they’re posted online, take a deep breath and find healthy ways to occupy yourself in the meantime. While score release dates vary slightly, AP exams typically wrap up in May.
However, most school years extend past that point, so don’t let your focus slip! Your GPA is an important factor in college admissions. Use this time to maximize your grades in all classes, especially your AP courses. Remember that a strong performance in AP classes can not only increase your GPA but also potentially give you college credit.
Speaking of maximizing grades, finals are likely just around the corner. Don’t underestimate their importance. Finals often carry significant weight in your final class grade. Now’s the time to settle down and study hard to ensure you walk away with a grade you’re proud of.
Now, let’s talk about standardized testing. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, consider using this post-AP exam period to jumpstart your ACT or SAT prep. It might seem early, but trust us, the sooner you begin familiarizing yourself with these tests, the more comfortable you’ll become on test day, potentially leading to a better score.
Juniors, ideally you’ve already taken the SAT or ACT at least once. However, if you haven’t, use this window of opportunity after your AP exams to dedicate time to studying. If you have already taken the tests but plan to retake them for score improvement, get back into your studies now that the AP exams are behind you.
Seniors, congratulations! By the time AP exams are over, you’ll likely have already received your college decisions. Use this time to finish the school year strong and soak up all the excitement leading up to graduation. It’s a momentous occasion, so celebrate your achievements!
From the Desk of Yocket
The wait for AP scores can be stressful for students, especially those hoping to use their scores for college admissions. Releasing them in early July, two months after the exams, allows time for a thorough grading process that ensures fairness and accuracy. This includes human readers evaluating free-response sections and calibrating scores across different test forms and regions.
An earlier score release date might be ideal from a student’s perspective, but it could come at the expense of score quality. The current timeframe strikes a balance between student anxiety and maintaining the integrity of the AP program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are AP exam scores typically released?
The AP exam scores are usually released in early July, around the first week.
Is there a specific date for the AP score release?
No, the exact release date for AP scores can vary slightly from year to year. The College Board announces the official release date a few weeks in advance.
How can I find out when my AP scores will be released?
You can check the College Board website or your My AP account for the official AP score release date. They will also send you an email notification when your scores are available.