AP Credit Converting to College Credits?

AP credits typically convert to college credits based on individual university policies, with most selective institutions like Notre Dame and Boston University accepting scores of 4 or 5. Your AP scores of 4s and 5s will likely earn you college credits, but the exact conversion depends on the specific AP subject and the university's requirements.

At many universities, an AP score of 4 or 5 translates to three or four college credits, roughly equivalent to one semester-long course. For example, if you earned a 5 on AP Calculus AB, you might receive credit for a first-semester calculus course. Some universities also allow AP credits to fulfill general education requirements or prerequisites, helping you advance more quickly in your chosen major.

The credit conversion process begins when you send your official AP scores through College Board to your chosen university. Each school's registrar office then evaluates your scores according to their specific credit policies. Notre Dame, for instance, generally awards three credits for qualifying AP scores, while Boston University may grant between four to eight credits depending on the exam.

Universities often maintain detailed AP credit conversion charts on their admission websites. These charts specify which scores qualify for credit and what specific courses they replace. Be aware that some selective universities might restrict AP credits for certain majors or limit the total number of AP credits they accept. You should check your specific university's policies, as credit awards can vary significantly between institutions.

Remember to submit your AP scores early in the admission process to ensure proper course placement for your first semester. Even if a university doesn't award direct course credit for your AP scores, they might still use them for course placement, allowing you to skip introductory-level classes and move directly into more advanced coursework in your chosen field.