How Do AP Classes Transfer to College Credits?

I've taken several AP classes in high school and I'm wondering about how these might transfer once I’m in college. How do colleges generally handle this, and are there things I should check with the schools I’m applying to?

It's a smart move for you to consider how your AP classes might transfer into college credits, as they can potentially save you both time and money once you're in college. Generally, colleges assess your AP scores individually, and a score of 3, 4, or 5 may earn you college credit, qualify you for advanced placement, or in some cases, both. Given this, it's important to know that policies can vary pretty significantly from college to college, and even sometimes from major to major within the same college.

There are a few key things to check when it comes to each school you're considering:

1. What's the minimum AP score that the college accepts for credit?

2. Which specific AP exams does the college accept for credit?

3. Does the college offer elective credit or course-specific credit for your AP exams?

4. How many total credits from AP exams does the college allow you to apply towards your degree?

A good starting point is the college's website. Most have a page dedicated to AP credit policies. You can also reach out to the school's admissions or registrar's office for more detailed information.

Here's a hypothetical example to illustrate: College A might give you credit for AP Calculus BC if you received a 4 or 5, but College B might only give you credit if you received a 5. Furthermore, College A might offer you credit that counts for their Calculus I and II classes, while College B might only offer you credit for Calculus I, even if you got a 5.

So, detailed research on the policy of each school you're applying to can pay off. It'll help you maximize the value of the hard work you've done in your AP courses. Keep in mind that most highly selective colleges tend to have more restrictive AP credit policies and will use your AP scores more as a demonstration of academic rigor, rather than awarding college credit.