When Are AP Scores Released in 2025?
AP exam scores are typically released between early and mid-July. While the College Board hasn’t announced the exact date for 2025 yet, last year’s scores were available on July 8th. Keep in mind that exact dates may vary slightly, so it’s recommended to check for updates as summer approaches.
What Time Will AP Scores Be Released?
AP scores are typically released at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on the designated date. However, they are often distributed in stages, with students on the East Coast getting their results first and those on the West Coast receiving them last.
What if My AP Scores Aren’t Released That Day?
Don’t worry if your AP score isn’t released that day, as there are sometimes delays in the process and not all scores are uploaded at the same time. If you haven’t received your score by August 15th, reach out to AP Services for Students.
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How Can I Check My AP Score?
You’ll need to log in to your College Board account to view your AP scores. Confirm that you can access your account and check your email for any updates. It’s important not to create a new account if you already have one, as this can cause delays.
AP Score Scales
AP exams are scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with each score representing different levels of qualification for college credit and placement. Many U.S. colleges grant credit or advanced placement for scores of 3 and above, allowing students to skip equivalent courses when they matriculate.
Here’s how each score corresponds to a recommendation for college credit and the equivalent college course grade:
5: Equivalent to an A+ or A in a college course. This score indicates that you possess an excellent understanding of the material and are well-prepared for advanced coursework.
4: Equivalent to an A-, B+, or B. This score shows strong proficiency in the subject, and most colleges will grant credit or advanced placement.
3: Equivalent to a B-, C+, or C. This score suggests that you have a solid comprehension of the subject and may earn credit or placement at certain colleges.
2: No specific grade equivalent. This score signifies that you may not have fully grasped the material and generally does not result in college credit.
1: Typically, no college credit or placement is granted for this score.
For a more detailed explanation of the scoring system, please refer to the AP score scale table.
AP Score Difficulty
While some AP exams are notoriously difficult to score a 5 on, students shouldn’t be discouraged. AP Environmental Science, for instance, is often seen as one of the easier exams, though it can still be challenging for those unfamiliar with college-level coursework. Exams like AP Chinese Language and Culture and AP Japanese Language and Culture have high percentages of students earning a 5—over 50%—but these numbers are skewed by native speakers who may take the exam without completing the course.
AP exam difficulty varies, with students frequently citing AP Chemistry, AP World History, and AP Physics as among the most challenging. AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and AP Statistics are generally considered more manageable. It’s essential to assess your strengths and evaluate your school’s specific AP results to determine which courses are likely to be easier for you.
For a deeper look into AP score distributions and insights for 2025 AP candidates, check out Aralia’s analysis: 2024 AP Exam Score Distribution Data.
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Sending AP Scores to Colleges
To guarantee you receive college credit or placements for your AP scores, you’ll need to request an official AP score report to be sent to the college of your choice. You receive one free score report each year that you take AP exams, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity! June 20 is the final date to choose your recipient for the free score report. If you miss this deadline or need to send additional reports, you can do so online for a fee of $15 per report. Online score delivery typically takes about 5-9 business days. Additionally, if you need a copy of your previous AP score, you can request archived results. This is useful if you’re applying to college after a gap year or need to provide scores from earlier exams. Review the College Board’s information to ensure you understand the fees for sending score reports and other options.
What if Your Score Is Lower Than Expected?
When making admission decisions, colleges consider many more factors than exam scores, including the strength of your coursework and your GPA in rigorous courses. By enrolling in AP classes, you demonstrate your interest in challenging yourself and learning at a college level. Taking AP exams proves to colleges that you’re willing to work hard and complete college-level work, regardless of your score. While high scores can help strengthen your application, not achieving the highest marks won’t necessarily harm your chances as long as you’ve shown dedication to your growth.
What to Do While Waiting for Your AP Scores
Once you’ve taken your AP exams, you can use the time to focus on other important tasks, such as:
- Studying for final exams
- Preparing for the SAT/ACT
- Exploring summer programs
- Working on your Common App essay
- Continue working on your college research
AP scores are just one part of the college admissions puzzle, and it’s normal to feel nervous as you wait for your results. While AP scores reflect your academic efforts, they don’t define your potential.
If you’re uncertain about how your AP scores might impact your college journey or want to gain a clearer picture of how your academic achievements fit into your broader college strategy, our team of expert consultants is here to guide you. Whether you need help navigating your college application, understanding your AP results, or preparing for the next steps in your educational journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Over the years, Aralia instructors have successfully supported many students from around the world in preparing for and achieving scores of 4-5/5 in AP courses. Aralia’s team of instructors consists of experts from universities and high schools with years of experience in research and guiding high school students.
