AP College Credit Transfer Policies

How do colleges view AP scores in terms of granting credits? Is there a standard for how these credits transfer to different schools, or does it vary a lot by institution?

While AP scores play a role in the admissions process, as they can demonstrate academic rigor and mastery of content, their use for granting credit significantly varies between institutions. There is no universal standard for how AP credit is applied, as it's ultimately up to each college to set its policy.

Some schools provide college credit for scores of 3 or higher on AP tests, which can let students place out of certain courses or fulfill general education requirements. Other colleges, especially more selective institutions, might require a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam to grant credit. There are also colleges that do not grant credit for AP exams at all, but use the scores for placement purposes: for instance, to decide whether you're qualified to enroll in an advanced level course in your first year.

Moreover, the credit's application can be highly specific based on the subject of the AP exam and the student's intended major. For example, a high score on the AP Biology exam might meet a lab science requirement for a humanities major, but for a Biology major, the credit may not count towards their major requirements.

If you've taken AP exams and are considering specific colleges, I recommend visiting each college's website or contacting their admissions or registrar's office directly to get the most accurate information about their AP credit policies. This information is typically located in the college's course catalog or under its academic policies.