Advanced Placement

College-level courses and examinations designed for motivated high school students.

Advanced Topics

College Credit and Placement Policies

Understanding College Credit Policies

Each college sets its own policies on accepting AP credits. Some schools grant credit for scores of 3 or higher, while others require a 4 or 5. Colleges may also use AP scores to place students in higher-level courses.

Navigating the Process

  • Research college websites for their AP credit policies.
  • Contact admissions offices for clarification.
  • Use AP credits to skip introductory courses or fulfill requirements.

Formula for Potential Savings

If one AP course earns you 3 college credits, and each credit costs $500, you could save up to \(3 \times $500 = $1500\) per AP exam!

Real-World Application

Understanding credit policies allows you to plan your high school and college courses more strategically.

Key Formula

\[Potential Savings = (Credits Earned) \times (Cost per Credit)\]

Examples

  • A university gives credit for AP Calculus with a 5, letting a student skip freshman math.

  • Some colleges allow AP Biology credit to fulfill science requirements.

In a Nutshell

Colleges have different policies on granting credit and placement for AP exams.

Key Terms

Placement
Being moved into higher-level college courses based on AP scores.
Credit Transfer
Using earned credits at one institution towards requirements at another.