APs - when to hold them, when to fold them?

Congratulations to students who accepted the challenge of taking Advanced Placement Courses. High school course rigor is consistently one of the most important factors in considering a student's readiness for next-level learning.

The College Board releases scores in mid-July- here are some FAQs to help.

Click the arrows to reveal the answers.

How do I know which scores to report?

For most schools, 4s and 5s are reported. If the school accepts a 3 for college credit, report it. For example, the University of Maryland accepts a 3 for AP Language and Composition and AP Literature. The University of South Carolina is much more generous, with multiple courses offering college credit for a 3 AP score. If on-time or early graduation is a goal, make sure to consider schools where you can get a head start on general education credits. You should know the difference between schools.

Do admissions consider AP scores as part of the student's academic profile?

It depends on the school. All schools consider course rigor, as shown on the high school transcript, as Very Important or Important. However, schools differ in their practice if the actual AP score (vs. the grade on the transcript) is considered. The criterion is not necessarily published, so students need to ask. I asked a random sample of admission offices the question, "Are AP scores considered in the admission review?"

• Clemson University - Yes

• Northeastern University - No, course rigor and grades on high school transcripts are considered only

• University of Oregon - No, course rigor and grades on high school transcripts are considered only.

• New York University - Yes, but the student must submit at least three scores, with at least one Humanities and one STEM

• Boston College - Yes

• Pennsylvania State University - Yes

How do schools see my AP scores?

Students can self-report their AP scores in the testing section of the Common Application. If the Common Application PDF does not populate scores, consider sending official scores from your College Board account.

Can I choose which AP scores I send through my College Board Account?

Submitting official AP scores through the College Board is an all-or-nothing venture. If a student is going to send official AP scores, they must send all scores, even the lower ones. The only caveat is that students can cancel scoring a test or withdraw a scored test if they notify the College Board by June 15th. Students can self-report selected scores in the Common Application testing section only.