Do AP Calc AB credits usually transfer to colleges?

I've taken AP Calc AB and I'm wondering how well these credits transfer to most colleges. Do schools generally accept them for credit, or do they prefer letting students start fresh in calculus? Any experiences would be appreciated!

In general, most colleges and universities accept AP Calculus AB credits, provided you earn a sufficiently high score on the AP Exam, often a 4 or 5. However, it's important to know that policies vary from institution to institution.

For example, highly selective colleges typically want students to take math classes on their campus, even if you've done well on the AP Calculus AB exam. They may award credit, but not allow it to be used to place out of required courses. They may also choose to place students into math classes based on an internal placement test and not AP Exam scores.

On the other hand, many other colleges readily accept a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam for math credit. This could potentially fulfill your math requirement, allowing you to move on to higher-level courses earlier, or take more classes in your major or other areas of interest.

To know exactly how your AP credits will transfer, you should research the AP credit policies at the specific colleges you're interested in. This information is usually available on the school's official website, or you can call or email the admissions office directly to ask about their policy.

In addition, remember that handling AP Calculus AB (or any AP class) well and receiving a high score on the exam can contribute to your college application more broadly by showcasing your potential to succeed in higher-level coursework. The scores, in conjunction with the AP class grade on your high school transcript, show colleges that you can handle a rigorous curriculum.