Overview: Unlocking a Wealth of College Course Exemptions
Advanced Placement (AP) credits, earned through rigorous high school coursework and exams, offer an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain college-level knowledge and potentially bypass introductory college courses. The University of Maryland (UMD) is no exception, recognizing AP exam scores and awarding course exemptions accordingly. This article explores the intricacies of UMD’s AP credit policy, providing a comprehensive guide for students to leverage their AP achievements for academic success.
Benefits of Earning AP Credits
Earning AP credits brings a multitude of benefits, including:
- Course exemptions: AP credits enable students to skip introductory college courses, allowing them to advance more quickly through their programs.
- Time savings: By bypassing lower-level coursework, students can graduate earlier and save valuable time.
- Cost savings: College courses are expensive; AP credits can significantly reduce tuition fees by replacing paid courses with free credits.
- Enhanced rigor: AP coursework and exams push students academically, preparing them for the rigors of college-level work.
UMD AP Credit Policy: A Detailed Examination
UMD’s AP credit policy is well-defined, ensuring consistency in course exemptions. Students are eligible for credits for scores of 3 or higher on most AP exams, with some exceptions. The table below outlines the AP exams currently accepted by UMD and the corresponding courses they exempt:
| AP Exam | UMD Course Exemption |
|---|---|
| Biology | BIOL 110 Intro to Biol I |
| Calculus AB | MATH 115 Calc I |
| Chemistry | CHEM 110-CHEM 111 Gen Chem I-II |
| Computer Science A | CMSC 131 Intro to C Programming |
| English Language | ENGL 100 Freshman English |
| English Literature | ENGL 100 Freshman English |
| European History | HIST 150 Western Civ I |
| French Language | FREN 101-FREN 102 Elem French I-II |
| German Language | GERM 101-GERM 102 Elem German I-II |
| Government and Politics | GOVT 200 Amer Nat’l Govt |
| Human Geography | GEOG 104 World Regional Geog |
| Latin Language | LATN 101-LATN 102 Elem Latin I-II |
| Macroeconomics | ECON 101 Intro to Macroecon |
| Microeconomics | ECON 102 Intro to Microecon |
| Physics 1 | PHYS 151 Intro to Mechanics |
| Physics 2 | PHYS 152 Intro to Electricity and Magnetism |
| Psychology | PSYC 100 Intro to General Psychology |
| Spanish Language | SPAN 101-SPAN 102 Elem Spanish I-II |
| Statistics | STAT 210 Intro to Statistics |
| US History | INHS 150-INHS 151 Hist of Amer Civ I-II |
| World History | HIST 121-HIST 122 World Civ I-II |
How to Submit AP Scores to UMD
Once AP exam scores are available, students must submit them to UMD for evaluation. This can be done through the following methods:
- Online: Log into the UMD Applicant Portal and upload your scores electronically.
- Mail: Send official AP score reports directly to UMD’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- Email: Email official score reports to [email protected].
Maximizing Your Use of AP Credits
To make the most of AP credits, students should consider the following strategies:
- Plan ahead: Discuss AP course options with high school advisors to align with UMD’s course exemptions.
- Set realistic goals: Aim for AP exams in subjects where you excel and are confident in achieving high scores.
- Prepare diligently: Dedicate ample time and effort to AP coursework and exam preparation.
- Review AP credit policy: Familiarize yourself with UMD’s AP credit policy to ensure accurate course exemptions.
- Seek guidance: Consult with UMD academic advisors for personalized guidance on utilizing AP credits effectively.
Conclusion: Unlocking a Pathway to Academic Success
UMD’s AP credit policy provides a valuable opportunity for students to advance their academic careers. By earning AP credits, students can bypass introductory college courses, save time and money, and enhance their academic preparation. By carefully considering the strategies outlined above, students can maximize their use of AP credits and lay a solid foundation for success at UMD and beyond.