Can AP Calculus BC credits transfer to colleges?

I'm taking AP Calculus BC this year and I was wondering how likely it is that colleges will accept those credits. Will they transfer effectively if I attend out-of-state universities, or should I prepare to retake the course in college?

Precisely how AP Calculus BC credits are accepted can depend on the specific college, your score on the AP exam, and the requirements of your college major. In general, many colleges across the U.S. do accept AP scores for credit or placement, as long as the score is sufficiently high. A score of 3 is typically considered passing, but many schools prefer a 4 or 5 for credit.

For example, some colleges may accept a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam as credit towards a math requirement. Other colleges may still want you to take a college-level Calculus course even if you scored well on the exam but will use the exam score for placement into a more advanced calculus course.

There isn't a significant difference in credit acceptance between in-state and out-of-state schools. However, it's always worth checking each individual college's policy for the most accurate information. This information is usually available on a college's admissions or registrar's webpage, under a section similar to AP/IB credit policies.

It's also essential to understand that even if a university accepts your credits, it doesn't necessarily mean you should skip the course. This might especially be the case if Calculus is crucial for your major and you want a solid foundation for future coursework.

In summary, the probability of your AP Calculus BC credits being accepted varies from college to college, and you should check their specific policies. But, scoring well can open the door to skipping certain courses or fulfilling prerequisites for advanced courses. You should also assess if skipping the course in college is the right choice based on your comfort level with the material and its significance in your intended major.