Canceling your AP exam scores is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and precise execution. Whether you’re unsatisfied with your performance or have other reasons for cancellation, this guide will walk you through the process, deadlines, and implications of canceling your AP scores.
Understanding AP Score Cancellation
Before diving into the cancellation process, it’s crucial to understand what score cancellation entails:
- Score cancellation is permanent and irreversible
- It applies to the entire exam, not just specific sections
- Canceled scores are permanently deleted from College Board records
- Your exam fee will not be refunded
Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling AP Scores
Step 1: Download and Complete the AP Score Cancellation Form
- Visit the College Board website
- Locate and download the AP Score Cancellation Form
- Fill out the form with your personal information
- Specify which exam scores you wish to cancel
- Sign the form (If you’re a minor, a parent or guardian signature may be required)
Step 2: Submit the Completed Form
You have two options for submitting the form:
- Mail:
- Address: AP Services, P.O. Box 6671, Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
- Fax:
- Fax number: 610-290-8979
Step 3: Meet the Deadline
To prevent your scores from being sent to your designated free score send recipients:
- AP Services must receive your cancellation request by June 15 of the year you took the AP Exam
However, it’s important to note that:
- You can cancel scores at any time
- Scores already sent to colleges cannot be recalled
Important Considerations
Implications of Score Cancellation
- Immediate Effects:
- If not yet scored, the exam will not be scored
- If already scored, the score will be permanently deleted
- Future Reports:
- Your score report will indicate “score canceled at student’s request”
- Financial Implications:
- No fee for canceling scores
- Exam fee will not be refunded
- Limitations:
- Archived scores cannot be canceled
Cancellation After June 15
While the June 15 deadline is crucial for preventing score sends, you can still cancel scores after this date:
- The cancellation process remains the same
- Scores may have already been sent to designated colleges
- Cancellation will result in permanent deletion from your records
Partial Cancellations
It’s important to understand that:
- AP score cancellations apply to the entire exam
- You cannot cancel scores for specific sections of an AP exam
Scores Already Sent to Colleges
If you’ve already sent your AP scores to a college or university:
- The scores will remain on record with the institution
- Cancellation does not affect scores already received by institutions
- The AP Program will mark your score as “canceled” in their system, but institutions with your scores will still have access to them
Conclusion
Canceling your AP scores is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. While the process is straightforward, the implications are far-reaching and permanent. Before proceeding with cancellation, consider discussing your decision with a guidance counselor, teacher, or parent to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals.
Remember, your AP scores are just one part of your academic profile. Many colleges and universities value the effort and initiative shown by taking AP courses, regardless of the final exam score. If you’re concerned about your scores, consider reaching out to your target schools to understand how they view and use AP scores in their admissions process.