1. Brown University
• Policy: Brown does not grant course credit or satisfy concentration (major) requirements with AP scores. Instead, AP scores are used for placement purposes, allowing students to register for higher-level courses.
• Score Requirements: Varies by department, typically requiring scores of 4 or 5.
• Details: AP courses may have course equivalents noted on transcripts, and advanced subjects may receive retroactive notation. This policy prioritizes flexibility in course selection over credit accumulation.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
2. Columbia University
• Policy: Columbia accepts up to 16 points of AP credit for college-level coursework taken in high school, which can count toward degree requirements.
• Score Requirements: Typically requires scores of 5, though some departments may accept 4.
• Details: Credits can exempt students from introductory courses or allow enrollment in advanced classes, depending on the academic department. Columbia’s policy is relatively generous compared to other Ivies.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
3. Cornell University
• Policy: Cornell accepts AP credits to satisfy degree requirements, potentially counting toward a bachelor’s degree.
• Score Requirements: Generally 4 or 5, varying by department.
• Details: AP credits may exempt students from introductory courses or allow enrollment in advanced courses. Each department determines how credits apply, providing flexibility for students to accelerate their academic progress.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
4. Dartmouth College
• Policy: Dartmouth accepts AP scores for college credit and allows exemptions from lower-level courses or enrollment in higher-level courses.
• Score Requirements: Scores of 4 or 5, with specific requirements varying by department.
• Details: AP credits are recognized on transcripts but cannot count toward the 35 credits required for graduation. This policy supports advanced placement while ensuring students complete a full course load at Dartmouth.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
5. Harvard University
• Policy: Harvard grants credit toward Advanced Standing, which can allow students to graduate early or take fewer courses. AP credits may also exempt students from introductory courses.
• Score Requirements: Only scores of 5 are accepted. For exams studied in one semester, Harvard awards half-credit toward Advanced Standing.
• Details: To earn Advanced Standing, students need four AP scores of 5. Credits are primarily used to skip introductory courses or meet prerequisites for advanced coursework.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
6. Princeton University
• Policy: Princeton accepts AP scores for college credit and placement, though acceptance of scores of 4 is rare and department-dependent.
• Score Requirements: Typically requires scores of 5, with some departments accepting 4.
• Details: Incoming freshmen receive a report detailing AP units earned, which can exempt them from introductory courses or allow advanced course enrollment. Princeton’s policy is selective but supports academic acceleration.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
7. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
• Policy: Penn grants credits for AP exams primarily for placement into higher-level classes, not to satisfy general education or core course requirements.
• Score Requirements: Typically 4 or 5, depending on the department.
• Details: AP credits can allow students to progress to the next course in a sequence or enroll in honors-level courses. Penn emphasizes the importance of its core curriculum, limiting the use of AP credits for general requirements.
• Source: Empowerly (2024-05-29)
8. Yale University
• Policy: Yale uses an Advanced Standing system, granting credit for AP scores to exempt students from introductory courses or allow advanced course enrollment.
• Score Requirements: Accepts scores of 4 or 5.
• Details: AP credits do not count toward the total credits needed for graduation but can be used for placement purposes. Yale’s policy supports academic flexibility while requiring students to complete a full Yale curriculum.
