How does AP credit transfer to college?

I'm currently a junior planning my senior year schedule, and I'm wondering how AP credits transfer to colleges. Are there specific things I should keep in mind when choosing my courses?

Firstly, it's great that you're proactively considering how your AP courses might affect your college credits. Every college handles AP credit differently. Generally, colleges will have specific scores you need to earn on the AP exam to receive college credit. This is usually a score of 4 or 5, but some schools may accept a 3.

Secondly, the amount and type of credit you receive can vary. Some colleges will give you general education credit, whereas others might give you credit for a specific course, allowing you to skip an introductory course in college. For example, achieving a 4 or 5 in AP Calculus BC might allow you to skip the equivalent introductory Calculus course at the college level.

Something to keep in mind while choosing your courses is to lean towards subjects that align with your intended major or field of study. For instance, if you intend on majoring in psychology, scoring well on the AP Psychology test might potentially fulfill your prerequisite courses in college.

Also, while AP classes can be beneficial, remember that the AP course needs to be a good fit for your academic strength and interests. Taking a class just for the sake of AP credit can lead to unnecessary stress if the subject is not a good match for you. Quality, not quantity, of AP classes is most important.

Lastly, you'll want to check each prospective college's AP policy on their website (usually found under the admissions or registrar's office page). This will help you see which scores are accepted and how the credits would be applied to your potential course of study there. While some colleges are generous in accepting AP credits, others may be more restrictive, so it's definitely worthwhile to do your research.