The AP Credit Hustle: How To Submit Your Scores and Avoid a College Meltdown
Okay, so you just aced your AP exams and you’re feeling like a champion. You’re ready to conquer college, right? WRONG! The real battle starts now. You need to submit your hard-earned AP scores to your college, and let’s just say, it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
The College Board, those masters of standardized testing, have devised a system that’s as convoluted as a game of Twister while blindfolded. They’re like the gatekeepers of knowledge, deciding who gets into their exclusive club of college credit.
But fear not, my fellow AP warriors. I’m here to break down the steps to conquer this bureaucratic beast.
Step 1: The College Credit Conundrum: Check Your School’s Policy
First things first: don’t assume your college will automatically accept your AP scores. Most do, but some have their own unique quirks. They could have specific requirements or even a cap on how much credit you can earn. Think of it like a picky eater at a buffet – they only want what they want, when they want it.
So, before you get all excited about skipping classes, contact the admissions office at your college. Ask them about their AP credit policy. And don’t forget to ask about the deadlines! You don’t want to miss the cut-off and be stuck playing catch-up.
Step 2: Enter the My AP Portal: Where the Magic Happens
Now, you’ve gotta log into your My AP account. This is like your own personal dashboard to the College Board universe. It’s where you’ll find all your precious exam scores and the power to unleash them upon your college.
Step 3: The Score Send Tab: Your Weapon of Choice
Head over to the “Score Send” tab. This is where the real action begins. Here you’ll find a list of colleges and universities where you can send your scores. Just select the college you’re going to and click “Send Scores.”
Step 4: The Fee: A Small Price to Pay for Freedom
Oh, the joys of college. You thought you were done with fees, right? WRONG! Now you have to pay a small fee of $15 per score report. Think of it as an investment in your future. You can send your scores to multiple colleges for the same fee.
Step 5: The Waiting Game: Patience is Key
Once you’ve sent your scores, it takes about 5-9 business days to reach your college. This is where you have to be patient. It’s like waiting for your birthday – the anticipation is agonizing. Just remember, good things come to those who wait…and pay a fee.
Step 6: The College’s Decision: The Big Reveal
Finally, you’ll receive an email from your college informing you about your AP credit status. They’ll tell you if you’ve earned any credit, advanced placement, or course exemptions. This is where the real excitement begins.
Bonus Tip: Self Reporting and the College Board’s AP Course Audit
Some colleges might ask you to self-report your AP exam scores on their application. If you forget, don’t panic! Just email the admissions office and let them know. They’ll be happy to hear that you’re proactive.
Now, for those of you who are thinking about taking AP classes in the first place, the College Board has this thing called the AP Course Audit. It’s like a fancy quality control system for AP courses. Think of it as the Food and Drug Administration of AP classes.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the course page: Find the course you’re interested in and click on the link to the AP Course Audit.
- Sign in to AP Course Audit: You’ll need your College Board account to access this.
- Add the course: Click on the “Add Course” button and fill out the form.
- Approve the form: Once you’ve filled out the form, the College Board will review it and send you an email to approve it.
- Adopt AP unit guides or submit a course syllabus: You can either adopt the College Board’s AP unit guides or submit your own syllabus. They’re like the official recipe book for AP classes, ensuring that they meet certain standards.
- Program review: The College Board will review your course syllabus and determine if it meets their criteria.
- If the course is authorized: Congratulations! Your course has been approved and you can start teaching your AP students.
The AP Credit Hustle: A Recap
So, there you have it, the AP credit process in all its glory. It’s a journey that requires patience, a bit of effort, and maybe a few prayers to the College Board gods.
Remember, the key to success is to be proactive and organized. Stay on top of deadlines and communicate with your college. And most importantly, remember to celebrate your achievements along the way!
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the AP credit maze, or have any other college-related questions, reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the wild world of college admissions!