Do top colleges see them? Is it the major factor?
They’ll see them only if your high school reports them on your transcript or if you have them sent to the college. You may also choose to report them yourself, and you may choose not to do so. In practice strong scores (especially 5s) can help your application. Otherwise they are unlikely to be a major factor. In my opinion it’s best not to report scores below 4 to selective universities.
Request an unofficial copy of your own high school transcript. It may or may not show your AP scores. On the common App you can self-report your scores. Don’t send them officially until you’ve actually been accepted and decided to go somewhere