What AP® Test Scores Are Accepted by Colleges?

The main purpose of taking AP exams is to earn advanced placement and course credits by achieving a qualifying score. If you score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam, many colleges will offer you the chance to skip introductory courses during your freshman year. Based on your AP scores, colleges will grant "advanced placement" into higher-level courses, allowing you to bypass introductory ones. You may also be eligible for college credit with a good AP score. These credits are a way of acknowledging that you have mastered the introductory or core courses required for graduation. The credits you earn for your AP exam scores count toward the total credits necessary to graduate from college.

Many colleges offer advanced placement and college credit for a good AP score (3 or higher). However, some colleges may offer either placement or college credit, but not both. If you're seeking credit or placement for AP exam scores, it's important to ensure that the colleges and universities you're interested in accept AP scores for college credit. Keep in mind that policies on granting placement or AP score for college credit based on AP exam scores vary from institution to institution. Always check the specific AP credit policy of each college to understand how your scores will be treated.

Which Colleges Offer Advanced Placement and Credit for AP Scores?

Every college has its own AP credit and placement policy. The specifications vary, but each institution should outline the minimum AP test scores accepted by colleges to earn credit or placement and the amount of credit awarded for a given exam.

At some colleges, AP scores for college credit transfer directly to credit hours. However, at other colleges, your AP exam scores may allow you to get a waiver for certain course requirements even if they do not grant you actual college credits.

Some colleges, like LSU, offer both placement and credit for your AP scores. To find detailed information about these regulations, you can use the College Board®'s AP Credit Policy Search. However, always confirm the information directly with your prospective colleges, as policies can differ widely. If you're wondering what AP scores do my colleges take, it's essential to check each college's individual policy. Additionally, many students ask, do colleges look at AP scores when making admissions decisions? While AP scores are not typically a factor in college admissions, a strong performance can demonstrate your academic readiness and may help with course placement or credit once you're admitted.

What Score Do You Need for Each AP Course?

Institutions generally acknowledge a 4 or a 5 on the AP exam, but some may even grant credit and/or placement for a 3. These scores indicate that you are qualified for an introductory-level college course. In most colleges, however, you will see that they have different score requirements for different courses. A college might accept a 3 in AP Statistics but a 5 in AP English Language. Therefore, you should do a background check of your college's AP policies, including the AP test scores accepted by colleges, well ahead of time.

Additionally, many students ask, do colleges look at AP scores during admissions? While AP scores are not typically a primary factor in college admissions decisions, they can demonstrate academic preparedness and may influence your course placement or eligibility for college credit once you're admitted.

Below is a table indicating how likely a college will accept AP credit and/or placement for corresponding AP scores college credit test scores (irrespective of the course).

To make things easier for you, we've also compiled a list of 50 colleges across the U.S. and their AP requirements. To learn more, click on the AP Policy and Credit Equivalencies for each college listed below: