Can You Appeal AP Scores? How To Request a Rescore

Receiving an AP score that is lower than you expected is frustrating and upsetting, especially if you worked hard all year. Many students immediately wonder whether they can appeal, challenge, or get their paper re-marked.

The short answer is that there is no traditional “appeal” process for AP scores. However, the College Board does offer a limited rescore option in specific circumstances. This article explains what is possible, how the rescore process works, what it costs, and when it is actually worth requesting one. It will also outline your alternatives if a rescore is unlikely to help.

Key Takeaways

• You cannot formally “appeal” an AP score, but you can request a limited rescore.

• An AP rescore only checks the accuracy of multiple-choice scoring, not free-response grading.

• Rescore requests must be submitted within a strict deadline and involve a fee.

• If you are unhappy with your result, alternatives include retaking the exam or withholding your score from colleges.

Can You Appeal or Challenge Your AP Scores?

There is no formal appeals process for AP scores, unlike other exams such as GCSEs and A Levels, which do allow for re-marks. You cannot challenge the judgment of examiners or ask for your free-response answers to be regraded.

What you can do is request an AP rescore through the College Board (opens in a new tab). This is not an appeal against your mark, but a technical check to make sure your multiple-choice answers were recorded and counted correctly.

What Is an AP Rescore?

An AP rescore is a technical review of the scoring process, not a re-mark of your exam. It focuses only on one thing: whether your multiple-choice answers were correctly scanned and counted.

This means:

• Your multiple-choice sheet will be rechecked for scoring accuracy.

• Your free-response answers will not be re-evaluated or re-graded.

• The overall score could stay the same, increase, or in rare cases decrease.

Because most AP scores depend heavily on free-response marking, rescoring often makes little difference unless there was a genuine technical error. Our guide to AP exam scoring explains this further.

When Should You Request an AP Rescore?

A rescore is only worth considering in very specific situations. Before requesting one, ask yourself whether there is a realistic chance of a scoring error.

Signs There May Be a Scoring Error

You might consider a rescore if:

• Your score is dramatically lower than your performance in class and on practice exams.

• You are confident that you answered many multiple-choice questions correctly.

• You suspect a technical issue with how your answer sheet was scanned.

• Your score does not seem to align at all with your expected performance.

In these situations, a rescore can provide peace of mind that your score was calculated accurately.

When a Rescore Probably Won’t Help

A rescore is unlikely to change anything if:

• You disagree with how your free-response answers were graded.

• Your score is only slightly lower than expected.

• You feel you ran out of time or made mistakes under exam pressure.

In these situations, the original score is almost always correct. If your concern is about examiner judgment rather than technical accuracy, a rescore will not address this.

How To Request an AP Rescore: Step-by-Step Process

If you decide to proceed, you must follow the College Board’s official process.

1. Log in to your College Board (opens in a new tab) account to view your AP scores. Here’s a handy guide to checking your AP scores.

2. Locate the option to request a score verification or rescore.

3. Complete the required form (opens in a new tab) with your details and exam information.

4. Pay the rescore fee by the deadline.

Your school counsellor or AP coordinator can also help if you are unsure about any step.

Rescore Request Deadlines

You must submit your rescore request within a limited time window after scores are released. 

Always check the latest official guidance on the College Board (opens in a new tab) website for the exact deadline for requests. It currently advises that this deadline is October 31 of the year you took the AP exam. Late requests are not accepted.

What Information You’ll Need

To request a rescore, you will need:

• your AP ID or College Board account details

• the specific exam you want rescored

• payment for the rescore fee

Costs of an AP Rescore

There is a fee for each exam you request to be rescored.

• This fee is non-refundable, even if your score does not change.

• You must pay at the time of submitting your request.

What Happens During the Rescore Process?

The College Board rechecks the scanning and scoring of your multiple-choice answers to confirm they were recorded accurately.

This process usually takes several weeks. You will be notified of the result through your AP account once the review is complete. 

The possible outcomes are:

• No change to your score. This is the most common result.

• Your score increases. This can happen if a technical error is found.

• Your score decreases. This is rare but possible if a scanning error had originally benefited you.

What If Your Score Changes?

If your score changes, the College Board will update your official record.

If you have already sent your score to colleges, the updated score will be shared automatically. You do not need to take additional action.

If your score decreases, it will also be reflected in your official record, so it is important to be confident before requesting a rescore.

Alternatives to Requesting an AP Rescore

If a rescore is unlikely to help, you still have options.

Retaking the AP Exam

You can retake the same AP exam the following year.

• Colleges typically consider your highest score, but policies vary.

• Some universities may see multiple attempts, so check the requirements in advance.

• Retaking gives you a fresh opportunity to improve with targeted preparation.

Score Withholding and Cancellation

If you are unhappy with your result, you can choose:

• Score withholding: Prevent specific colleges from seeing your score.

• Score cancellation: Permanently remove the score from your record.

Score withholding is often the better option if you are unsure, as cancellation is permanent. You can find full details in our guide to AP score withholding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an AP rescore take?

Rescores usually take several weeks, depending on when you submit your request.

Can my AP score go down after a rescore?

Yes. If a technical error is found in your favour, your score may increase. In rare cases, your score could also decrease if a different error is identified.

Will colleges see my original score if it changes?

No. Colleges will receive your updated score, not the original one.

Can I get my free-response answers re-graded?

No. Free-response answers are not regraded during a rescore. Only the multiple-choice section is checked for technical accuracy.

Final Thoughts

An AP rescore can be useful if you genuinely suspect a technical error, but it is not a way to challenge examiner judgment. For most students, a rescore will not change the outcome, so it is important to weigh the cost and likelihood of success carefully.

If you are disappointed with your score, remember that you still have strong alternatives, including retaking the exam or managing how your score is reported to colleges. And if you’re preparing for future AP exams, Save My Exams’ expert-written AP resources and exam-focused tools can make your revision simpler and smarter.

References:

• AP College Board (opens in a new tab)

• 2024-2025 AP Multiple-Choice Rescore Service Form (opens in a new tab)

• How do I request a rescore of the multiple-choice section of my exam? – AP Students | College Board (opens in a new tab)

• Sending AP Scores – AP Students | College Board (opens in a new tab)