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AP College Credit Lookup

Find out the AP score required for credit at any U.S. college. Searchable database of 3,000+ colleges and their AP credit policies by subject.

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Different colleges accept different AP scores. This tool helps you find the minimum AP score for credit at your target schools — so you know exactly what target to hit.

How AP Credit Policies Vary

  • Most public universities: Accept a 3 in most subjects.
  • State flagship universities: Usually 3 or 4 depending on subject.
  • Top 50 private universities: Mostly require a 4 or 5.
  • Ivy League + Stanford + MIT: Mostly require a 5, often for placement only (not credit).
  • Liberal arts colleges: Variable — some accept 3s broadly, others require 5s.

How to Look Up a Specific College

  1. Go to the College Board's AP Credit Policy Search at apcentral.collegeboard.org
  2. Type the college name.
  3. Filter by AP subject — see the required score, what credit is awarded, and any caveats.

Common AP Credit Rules at Top Schools

  • Harvard: Requires a 5. Used for placement, not credit. Up to 32 credit hours total possible.
  • Yale: Requires a 5. Acceleration credit available — can graduate early.
  • Princeton: Requires a 5. Used for placement only (no credit toward graduation).
  • Stanford: Requires a 4 or 5 depending on subject. Up to 45 quarter-units possible.
  • MIT: Requires a 5. Used to skip basic courses; no general credit.
  • UC Berkeley: Accepts 3s in many subjects. Generous credit policy.
  • UCLA: Mostly 3s accepted. Similar to Berkeley.
  • UT Austin: Accepts 3s in most subjects. Up to 30 hours possible.
  • Michigan: Accepts 4s and 5s for most subjects.
  • NYU: Accepts 4s for most subjects. Specific subject requirements vary by school within NYU.

Strategic Implications

If your target school is a top-20 private, plan for a 5 on every AP you care about. If your target is a state school, a 3 may be enough — but check before assuming.

Knowing the target score sharpens your prep. AimFive's diagnostic gives you a current predicted score; pair it with the target and you know the gap.

What AP Scores Do Colleges Accept · Is a 3 Good? · AP Score Calculator

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