AP scores available beginning on the West Coast

Beginning today, the College Board will begin releasing Advanced Placement (AP) scores from the tests taken in May of this year. Students on the West Coast are able to view scores starting today, while the rest of the nation’s scores will be released over the next four days, depending on the student’s location.

AP classes cater to the nation’s highest achieving students, and passing scores on the cumulative exams can count as college credit at certain universities.

The exams are scored on a one to five scale, with one being the lowest score and five being close to perfect. A three is a passing score, though select colleges only accept a “four” or a “five” if students are looking to earn credits. High schools around the country administer AP tests in upwards of 35 specific subjects, spawning both core subjects (science, history/social science, English, math, and world languages) and electives (arts and computer science). AP classes are provided as a challenge to bright, hardworking students who wish to take college-level courses in a high school setting. The classes go more in depth than a typical high school course, and the AP Exams offer students the opportunity to test their knowledge after a year of intense study.

According to the AP website, “students will receive access to AP scores based on physical location.” Hence, if a student took the test in Oregon, where he or she is a resident, but is on vacation in New York, that student cannot access scores until they are released in New York on July 9. Many students are anxious to see their scores.

“It’s stressful because everyone knows their scores, but I have to wait!” said Josie Winslow, an incoming senior from Los Angeles who is currently Boston. Students are generally excited about viewing scores, and many find the waiting period difficult.

However, no locations have an unfair advantage when it comes to grading. Each individual test is graded carefully, and on a set scale, despite regionalization.

In order to access scores, students need only to log onto their College Board accounts and click “AP” -> “view scores.” Your numeric score and general information about scoring guidelines are provided. Students can then use information to send their scores to colleges or inquire about scholarship opportunities.

To find out when your state’s scores will be available, visit https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/#/ .

Score distribution is also available for viewing, so a student who earned a “five” on any given exam can find out what percent of test takers earned that same coveted score.