Can You See AP Scores Early?

Waiting for your AP scores can feel like forever. You've worked hard all year, sat through those long, hard exams, and now you're desperate to see how you did.

The burning question on every AP student's mind? Can you see your scores before they're officially released?

Here’s what you need to know about AP score release dates. We’ll cover if early access is possible and how to get your results as quickly as possible.

Key Takeaways

• AP scores are released in early July on a regional schedule.

• You can’t see scores before your release date, and trying to use VPNs or workarounds is very risky.

• The fastest way to view scores is by preparing your College Board login and checking at 8 AM ET on release day.

When Are AP Scores Released?

AP scores follow the same schedule every year. The College Board releases them in early July on a rolling basis.

This means different regions and states get their scores on different days. It's not random; there's a specific order that the College Board follows.

The College Board begins releasing scores in early July each year. They are systematically released across various regions. Most scores will be available within two weeks of the release date. Colleges get scores by early to mid-July. So, student scores are usually ready by mid-July.

The exact dates vary a little from year to year, but early July is always the target window. The College Board provides an (opens in a new tab)AP calendar (opens in a new tab) each year with all the important dates.

Can You See Your AP Scores Early?

You cannot see your AP scores before the release date. 

The College Board has a system in place that releases scores by geographic region. Some students naturally get their scores first, just because of where they live.

This regional release system allows students in states like Florida to see their scores sooner than students in other states. It's not favoritism, it's just how the system works.

Some students try to cheat the system. They use VPNs or proxy servers. This makes it seem like they’re logging in from a state with an earlier release. But, these methods come with risks and aren't recommended.

You can’t get your AP scores before the first release date. Trying to find workarounds might break the College Board's terms of service.

How to Check Your AP Scores as Soon as Possible

Want to get your scores the moment they're available? Here's your step-by-step action plan.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit (opens in a new tab)apstudents.collegeboard.org (opens in a new tab)

This is your official portal for all things AP-related. Bookmark this page so you can find it quickly on score release day.

2. Log in with your College Board account

Make sure you know your username and password. Test your login details a few days before your expected release date.

3. Check your release date

The website will show you when scores are expected for your state. Mark this date in your calendar.

4. Log in promptly on release day

AP test scores come out at 8 AM Eastern Time. You can be ready to check them first thing in the morning.

5. Screenshot and save your scores

Once you can see your AP scores, take screenshots immediately. This gives you a backup record for university applications and personal records.

Risks of Using Workarounds Like VPNs

It can be very tempting to try to cheat by using technical tricks to see your scores early. But there are some serious downsides to trying these methods.

Using a VPN or proxy server may violate the College Board's terms of service. And you could get more than just a slap on the wrist; there could be some serious consequences.

Your account could be locked or suspended. This might delay your access to scores. Imagine trying to get ahead and ending up further behind!

Your scores will show up on your release date, no matter what workarounds you try. You won’t be able to change the date or time that results become available.

The bottom line? It’s not worth the risk to use unethical methods, even for getting your AP scores a few hours early.

What to Do While You Wait

Waiting can be torture. But there are better ways to use your time other than refreshing your browser every five minutes. Here are a few things you can do while you wait.

• Confirm your login details in advance. Nothing's worse than forgetting your password on score release day. Test everything beforehand.

• Review what your scores mean. The (opens in a new tab)score distribution tables (opens in a new tab) show the percentages of 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s for each AP subject. Understanding these distributions helps you interpret your results.

• Research AP credit policies at your target universities. Different schools have different requirements for AP credit. Take some time to check the policies of the schools you plan to apply to.

This preparation means you'll be ready to take action as soon as your scores arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do AP scores come out?

AP scores are released at 8 AM Eastern Time on your region's release date. The exact time can vary slightly, but you should get access early on the morning they are released.

Will trying to access early score releases get me banned?

The College Board doesn’t explicitly “ban” VPN use, but it could break their terms of service. It could also lock your account. This might cause technical issues that delay your access to the scores.

What if I forget my College Board login?

Don't panic! You can reset your password using the “Forgot Password” link on the (opens in a new tab)login page (opens in a new tab). Check your login details before score release day. This saves time and avoids issues.

Can I get AP scores by email or text?

The College Board doesn't send scores via email or text message for security reasons. You will have to log in to your account on the official AP Students website (opens in a new tab) to view your results.

Final Thoughts

We know the wait feels endless when you're anxious to see how well you did on your AP exams.

It's easy to want your scores early, but the best choice is to wait for your region's official release date.

Prepare your account ahead of time, mark your calendar, and be ready to log in first thing on release morning. Even if there are delays, which don’t happen often, all AP scores are usually reported by the middle of August. This gives you plenty of time before university application deadlines.

Your scores will come – and when they do, you'll be ready to make the most of them. Whether you finished your last test or are planning what's next, Save My Exams is here to help you on your academic journey.

References

College Board AP Student Calendar (opens in a new tab)

AP Student Scores (opens in a new tab)

College Board Score Distribution Table (opens in a new tab)

My AP College Board Login (opens in a new tab)