AP credits transfer: From community college to a university?

I'm thinking of starting at a community college before transferring to a university. How do AP credits work in this situation? Do I need to be careful about which classes I take to make sure they transfer smoothly?

Yes, in your situation, AP credits can be quite useful. Taking AP classes and getting high scores on the exams can allow you to earn college credits and thereby skip certain general education or introductory classes once you enroll in your community college. This can save both time and money, allowing you to focus on the courses that are directly related to your intended major.

Typically, how these credits transfer depends on the policies of the individual schools involved. The community college you're attending will usually accept your AP scores and award you college credits accordingly. Later, when you transfer to a four-year university, that institution will evaluate any college credits you've earned, including those given for AP exams, and determine how these apply to their degree requirements. This review is typically performed by the registrar or an academic advisor at your intended university.

However, you should be aware that the rules for AP credit transfer can vary significantly between colleges. A score that's accepted at your community college may not be accepted at your future university. For this reason, it's worthwhile to check the AP credit policies of any prospective four-year institutions you're considering. Look for information on what AP scores they accept, and for which courses they'll grant credit.

For example, a score of 4 on the AP Calculus AB exam might let you skip a semester of calculus at your community college. But if the four-year university you later transfer to only accepts a score of 5, they might not count your AP credit as fulfilling their math requirement.

So before deciding on your course schedule, make sure to do some research. Look into the AP score acceptance policies at both your current community college and any future universities you're considering. You can usually find this information on the colleges' official websites, or by directly contacting their admissions offices. Remember, it's always best to plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition!