Hi folks! I'm taking a couple of AP exams soon and I'm kinda stressed out but optimistic. If I pass my AP exams, what exactly happens? Do all colleges accept them for credit or placement, or does it vary? How should I figure out a particular college's policy?
Congratulations on your hard work preparing for your AP exams—it can certainly pay off! If you pass your AP exams, typically with scores of 3 or higher, many colleges may offer you credit, placement in a higher level course (typically you'll get to skip the introductory course), or both.
The policies for AP credit and placement, however, do indeed vary by institution. Some schools may only accept scores of 4 or 5, and the amount of credit awarded can differ as well. The best resource for verifying a particular college's policy is its own official website. Most institutions have a dedicated page that outlines which AP exams they accept and the minimum score requirements for credit.
If the information isn't readily apparent on a college's website, don't hesitate to contact the admissions office directly—they are there to help answer such questions. Furthermore, if any of your top-choice colleges have a pre-college advisor or a departmental advisor for the subject relevant to your AP exam, they can also provide personalized guidance. Best of luck with your exams!
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