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You Got a 5. Now What?

You scored a 5 on your AP exam. Here's exactly how to convert it to college credit, what to tell colleges, and whether to retake.

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A 5 is a real accomplishment — only the top 8-22% of students earn one depending on subject. Here's how to turn that score into something useful for your college applications and college experience.

If You're Still in High School

  1. Add it to your college applications (Common App self-reports your scores).
  2. Plan to take harder APs next year — the 5 proves you can.
  3. Strategically pick next-year APs aligned with your major. See major-specific lists.

When You Get to College

  1. Request your AP score be sent to your college at apscore.collegeboard.org.
  2. Check your college's specific policy — some give credit hours, some give placement only.
  3. Talk to your academic advisor about whether to claim the credit or take the intro course anyway (often worth doing in your major).

Should I Retake?

No. A 5 is the highest score. There is no reason to retake an AP you already scored a 5 on.

Whom to Brag To

Yourself. Tell your AP teacher. Tell your parents. Don't tell every classmate — humility plays well in admissions interviews.

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