I'm considering attending Harper College and I have several AP credits. How do these credits transfer to four-year universities? Are there any specific policies I should be aware of?
The way AP credits transfer from Harper College—or any community college—to a 4-year university largely depends on the university to which you're transferring. Most colleges and universities have their own policy for accepting AP scores for credit, and this policy extends to transferred credits from community colleges.
At Harper College, a score of at least 3 on an AP exam can earn you college credit. Those credits can then be transferred to your future 4-year school. However, the 4-year institution has the ultimate say on whether they accept these credits. Sometimes, 4-year schools require a higher score, like a 4 or 5, to grant credit for certain classes. Other times, these schools may only accept AP credits from Harper College for placement purposes and not for actual college credit. Some institutions might not accept transferred AP credits at all.
To find this information, you should check out the AP Credit Policy search tool on the College Board's website. This can help you understand the AP policies of potential 4-year universities. You can also reach out to the admissions office, registrar, or academic advising department of the universities you're interested in.
Additionally, Harper College likely has established transfer agreements (also called articulation agreements) with a number of 4-year schools, outlining how credits will transfer between institutions. These agreements are often available on the college's website, or you could contact the school's transfer advising office for more information. In general, knowing the transfer policies of your prospective 4-year school will help you make the most of your AP credits. Good luck!
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