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Getting a 2 on an AP exam can feel discouraging—especially after months of studying. But a low score doesn’t automatically ruin your transcript or your college plans. Most colleges care a lot more about your grades and course rigor than a single AP test score. Here’s what a 2 actually means and what you can do next.
What Does a Score of 2 Mean on an AP Exam?
AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 3 generally considered a “passing” score for credit at many colleges. A 2 means:
- You demonstrated some understanding of the subject material
- You’re not yet considered qualified for college credit in that course
- The College Board defines it as “possibly qualified”
While a 2 isn’t great, it also isn’t the lowest possible score. It’s a signal that you were close—but didn’t quite meet the bar for college-level mastery.
What Are the Academic Implications of a 2?
The biggest thing to understand: a 2 won’t hurt your GPA. AP exam scores are not factored into your high school GPA—only the grade you earned in the AP class appears on your transcript.
So if you got an A or B in the course but scored a 2 on the exam, colleges will still see the strength of your coursework. Most admissions teams value effort over test-day performance.
Can a 2 on an AP Exam Influence Your GPA?
Not directly. Your final course grade—not your AP exam score—is what contributes to your GPA. If your school gives weighted GPA boosts for AP classes, you may still benefit even with a 2 on the exam.
For example, you could earn a 4.0 in the class (A), which might show up as a 5.0 on a weighted scale at some high schools, regardless of your AP exam score.
Is There Any Chance of Earning College Credit with a 2?
A 2 usually won’t get you college credit. Most colleges require a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam to award credit. A few schools may consider a 2 in combination with other factors (e.g. placement exams, strong GPA), but that’s rare.
Check your college’s AP credit policy. For example:
- University of Michigan awards credit for most AP exams with a 4 or 5 (source)
- Indiana University Bloomington does not award credit for scores below 3
- Florida public colleges are more generous—but still require a 3+ in most cases
Can You Retake an AP Exam After Scoring a 2?
Yes—you can retake an AP exam the next year during the regular May testing window. However, you’ll have to:
- Register again through your school or testing center
- Pay the exam fee (around $98 in the U.S., though fee reductions may apply)
- Prepare independently if you’re no longer enrolled in the class
Heads-up from our teachers: when you send AP scores, colleges will usually see your full score history, unless you choose to withhold or cancel a score.
Are There Alternatives to AP for College Preparation?
Yes. If AP exams aren’t working for you, you still have great options to show academic readiness:
- Dual enrollment
- IB (International Baccalaureate)
- Honors classes
- CLEP exams
How to Improve Future AP Exam Scores?
If you plan to take more AP exams in the future, learn from this experience and prepare smarter next time:
- Start review earlier—ideally 6–8 weeks before the exam
- Use free College Board practice questions and AP Classroom videos
- Follow top AP YouTube channels like John Moscatiello
- Use professional help from Legacy Online School’s teachers
- Take full-length timed practice exams to get used to pacing
- Join study groups or form one at school to stay motivated
“Start as early as possible and don’t rush through the topics. Make sure you spend a decent time in each topic and deal with problem sets”
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: College Board, Reddit
