Do Colleges Accept AP Credits?

Most colleges and universities accept AP credits, but acceptance policies vary significantly between institutions. Generally, you'll need to score at least a 3 out of 5 on your AP exam for the credits to count, though many selective universities require a 4 or 5. Each college sets its own rules for how AP credits transfer and what they can be used for.

When colleges accept AP credits, they typically apply them in one of three ways. First, they might award actual college credits, reducing the total number of credits you need to graduate. Second, they could use them for placement purposes, letting you skip introductory courses and move directly into higher-level classes. Third, some schools combine both approaches, giving you credits and advanced placement.

For specific schools like UCLA and NYU, you'll find different policies. UCLA typically accepts AP scores of 3 or higher, but some departments require higher scores. They may award up to 8 quarter units per exam. NYU also accepts AP credits, typically requiring scores of 4 or 5, and they may award up to 32 credits total from AP exams.

To make the most of your AP credits, first check your target schools' websites for their AP credit policies. You can usually find this information under "transfer credits" or "academic policies." Be sure to verify whether your specific AP subjects are accepted and what scores you need. Remember that policies can change, so it's wise to confirm the current requirements during your application process.

Keep in mind that some colleges limit the total number of AP credits they'll accept, and certain majors might have restrictions on which AP credits they'll take. For example, engineering programs might be stricter about accepting AP Calculus credits than liberal arts programs. If you're counting on using your AP credits, contact the admissions office directly to confirm their current policies.