What Is a ‘Good’ AP Score?

You’re putting in the work to complete your AP classes, and it’s important that you do well. Scoring well in your Advanced Placement classes is a great way to build an impressive portfolio to present to college review boards. Having good AP scores could make enough difference to get you into the school of your choice. 

But how do you know what a “good” AP score is for your courses?

Let’s discuss what scores you want to aim for in your courses to help ensure you have the competitive edge.

What AP Score is a Pass?

Generally speaking, colleges interpret a score of 3,4, or 5 in an AP class as a passing score. AP exams are graded on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 representing mastery of the subject. 

However, just passing an exam doesn’t guarantee you’ll get college credit for the AP course. It also doesn’t mean you’ll be able to use the results for course placement.  

To put yourself in the best position for a chance to receive college credit for your AP coursework, you will want to get a 4 or 5, even though a 3 is technically passing. 

There are a few colleges that will grant college credit for achieving a 3 on an exam. You will want to do some research to make sure you meet your school of choice’s specific requirements. 

This chart explains how AP scores are used to see how qualified a student is to receive college credit and placement if that score was earned. Just remember that passing an AP class doesn’t guarantee college credit; this chart just provides a clear look at how AP exam scores are generally viewed. 

What Is a ‘Good’ AP Score?

In general, a 4 or 5 is considered a good AP score. These scores demonstrate that you have successfully completed challenging coursework, and you are ready for college-level studies. A score of 5 says you’ve mastered the content, and a 4 indicates solid academic preparation. 

However, it is important to know that what each college considers a “good” AP score can vary. If you plan on applying to top-tier, more selective schools like Ivy League institutions, a score of 4 or 5 demonstrates academic rigor. But less selective schools may consider a score of 3 to be acceptable.

Of course, if you are not happy with any of your scores, you do not have to report them or include them in your profile. Strategically reporting your AP scores can be useful for highlighting academic strengths and minimizing possible weak areas. With that being said, you want to put in the extra effort and be diligent with your studying to ensure you make the highest score possible.

What Is The Average AP Score?

In 2024, the average score on AP exams was 3.12. Over 60% of students taking AP exams scored 3 or above. 

Identifying the AP exams that tend to have higher scoring rates can be helpful in choosing courses that align with your strengths. This data can offer insights into the difficulty level of some exams, but it’s important to note that just because a subject has higher scoring rates, it doesn’t mean it’s an easy course. There are numerous factors that determine a subject’s difficulty level.

AP English Language and AP English Literature are popular exam choices. In 2024, over 41% of test takers scored 4s and 5s in English Literature. However, only 31% scored 4s and 5s in AP English Language and Composition. Over the last few years, lower percentages of those making 4s and 5s in English Language suggest it continues to be consistently difficult and competitive.

AP Math and Computer Science are both popular and considered some of the most rigorous courses. But 69% of exam scores were 4s and 5s in 2024. AP Computer Science and AP Calculus AB had 47% to 49% of students making 4s and 5s. 39% of students made either a 4 or a 5 in AP Statistics, while only 31% of those who took AP Computer Science Principles scored 4s and 5s.

AP Science students did well in 2024, with over 50% of them scoring in the 4s and 5s in both AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism and AP Physics C: Mechanics. AP Chemistry and AP Biology were only slightly lower, with 40 to 47% scoring 4s and 5s. AP Physics 1 & 2 had the lowest percentages of students who scored 4s and 5s, at 37 and 28 percent, respectively.

In 2024, the number of students scoring 4s and 5s in AP History and Social Sciences courses was very close. The range of percentages of students with higher scores was only 38 to 47%, with AP Human Geography having the lowest average score and AP United States Government & Politics having the highest percentage of 4s and 5s.

The score distribution for AP World Languages and Cultures demonstrated the widest range of percentages. 73% of students taking the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam scored 4s and 5s. Only 29% of the students taking the AP Latin exam scored a 4 or a 5. Roughly 50% of students taking other AP Language and Culture exams scored 4s and 5s. 

What AP Scores Do Universities Look For?

General Requirements

Most colleges and universities consider AP scores as part of their admissions process, but they also consider other factors. Schools consider other information, such as a student’s GPA and extracurricular activities, along with AP exam scores. 

However, presenting strong AP scores can boost your application, and admissions officers will see that you have challenged yourself to excel academically.

Subject-Specific Examples

• Medicine: Some medical schools may not accept AP credit as a replacement for prerequisite courses. However, they do sometimes let students with AP credit take more advanced coursework instead of introductory classes. It can vary by college, but usually a score of 4 or 5 will be considered for credit. For example, the University of California-Davis Health will accept AP credit, as long as it is shown on the undergraduate student’s transcript and can be credited to a specific college course. Yale School of Medicine, on the other hand, doesn’t directly accept AP credit for their prerequisite courses, but they do allow students to take advanced courses based on AP scores. 

• Engineering: Most US colleges with strong engineering programs will accept a 4 or 5 score on relevant AP exams as a replacement for introductory classes. Some common recommendations for AP credits are Calculus AB/BC, Physics (especially C, Mechanics, and E&M), and Chemistry. Some schools also recommend students take Computer Science A. Specific course and score requirements can vary by institution and specific majors in the field. Georgia Tech, for example, will accept a score of 4 or 5 on Calculus AB/BC for credit in MATH 1551, and sometimes for MATH 1552. At least a 4 on AP Chemistry exams gets you credit for CHEM 1211K. UCLA University of Engineering gives credit for scores of 3,4, or 5 on Calculus AB/BC, a 5 in Physics C: Mechanics and Electricity/Magnetism, and, in some cases, provides credit for a 4 or 5 on AP Chemistry exams. 

• Psychology: Most universities offer AP placements for a score of 3 or higher on the AP Psychology exam. But there are some schools that require a score of 4 or 5 for credit. Just remember that getting a 4 or 5 on exams is usually considered a good score and can earn you credit and placement in more prestigious schools. UCLA awards 4 units for AP Psychology as long as you score a 3 or above. American University only awards 3 credits for a score of 4 on the AP Psychology exam.

Competitive Universities

In general, competitive institutions acknowledge a score of 4 or 5 on AP exams, but there are a few that give credit or placement for a score of 3. 

However, if you can earn a score of 4 or 5 it will show that you demonstrate a stronger understanding of the subject material. Also, a higher score is typically required for course credit or advanced placement. 

Higher scores indicate students are qualified and ready for introductory-level college coursework. Please be aware that colleges may vary in their score requirements for different courses. 

Ivy League Schools 

Most Ivy League universities value high AP scores. They prefer 4s and 5s and may use them for college credit, or they may give credit for introductory-level courses for high AP scores. 

Some Ivy League schools require a score of 5 for credit, and a few accept 4s or 5s, depending on the subject. 

Specific departments in Ivy League schools may have various policies regarding AP credits. Some Ivy League institutions, like Harvard, only give credit for AP scores of a 5. Others, like Princeton, may accept 4s, but it will depend on the subject and the department.

What AP Scores Do Employers Look For?

Employers do not always have specific AP score requirements for their job applicants. AP exam scores are typically used for university admissions and advanced placement. 

Strong AP scores are useful for demonstrating academic achievement and are important for applying to universities. They are less likely to be used as a direct criterion for employment.

But, some employers do put an emphasis on the degrees you have earned, especially from highly recognized universities. For some professions, such as accounting, engineering, or law degrees, employers prioritize relevant professional qualifications and certifications. 

Being able to demonstrate your educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and transferable skills to employers is important, and it begins with scoring high on related AP exams and college classes.

What a ‘Good’ AP Score Looks Like For You

A “good” AP score for you will depend on your personal goals and the universities you are interested in attending. For college placement and credit, a score of 3 is passing, and you may earn advanced placement at some universities. 

It’s essential to check with the colleges you are interested in attending to learn their specific requirements. Scores of 4 or 5 usually earn college credit, even in competitive universities. 

AP scores are not always a requirement or a primary factor in admission decisions. However, they do demonstrate your academic preparedness and can enhance your profile and application. 

Generally speaking, a “good” AP score for you will meet or exceed the minimum score required by the colleges you are interested in attending. Scores should align with the expectations and rigour of the colleges you will apply to. And they should reflect your understanding of the subject and demonstrate your readiness for college-level courses.

Don’t solely focus on the number score. Taking challenging AP subjects, even if you don’t get a perfect score on the exam, demonstrates your willingness and determination to push yourself academically. 

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References

2024 AP Score Distributions – AP Students | College Board

2024 AP Exam Score Distributions