Earning college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) courses can be a smart move for high school students looking to get a head start on their college studies. The University of Houston (UH) offers generous policies for awarding college credit based on AP exam scores, allowing students to potentially save time and money on their college education.
How to Earn AP College Credit at UH
UH accepts AP scores of 3 or higher for college credit. The amount of credit awarded varies depending on the AP course and the score earned. For example:
- AP English Literature and Composition: 4 or 5 = 6 hours of college credit
- AP Calculus AB: 4 or 5 = 4 hours of college credit
- AP Biology: 4 or 5 = 8 hours of college credit
To receive AP college credit at UH, students must submit their official AP score reports to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The deadline for submitting scores is August 1 for fall enrollment and January 1 for spring enrollment.
Benefits of AP College Credit
Earning AP college credit offers several benefits, including:
- Saving money: College credit can be expensive, so earning it through AP exams can save you thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
- Saving time: By starting college with college credit, you can potentially graduate sooner or free up your schedule to pursue other interests.
- Getting a head start on your major: AP college credit can help you complete your major requirements sooner, allowing you to focus on upper-level coursework or pursue electives more aligned with your interests.
AP to College Credit Equivalency Table
The following table provides a comprehensive list of AP courses and their corresponding UH college credit equivalencies:
| AP Course | UH College Credit Equivalency |
|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | ENGL 1302 (3 hours) |
| AP English Literature and Composition | ENGL 2302 (3 hours) |
| AP Calculus AB | MATH 2411 (4 hours) |
| AP Calculus BC | MATH 2412 (4 hours) |
| AP Biology | BIOL 1306 (4 hours) and BIOL 1307 (4 hours) |
| AP Chemistry | CHEM 1305 (4 hours) and CHEM 1311 (4 hours) |
| AP Physics 1 | PHYS 1311 (4 hours) and PHYS 1111 (1 hour) |
| AP Physics 2 | PHYS 1312 (4 hours) and PHYS 1112 (1 hour) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing AP College Credit
- Take AP courses in high school. Enroll in AP courses that align with your academic interests and career goals.
- Study hard and prepare for the AP exams. Dedicate time to studying for the AP exams to achieve high scores.
- Submit your official AP score reports to UH. Send your score reports to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the deadline.
- Review your credit evaluation. Once your score reports have been received, UH will evaluate your credit and send you a notification of the credit you have earned.
- Plan your college schedule accordingly. Use your AP college credit to strategically plan your college course schedule and maximize your academic progress.
Pros and Cons of AP College Credit
Pros:
- Save money on tuition costs
- Save time to graduation
- Get a head start on your major
- Demonstrate academic rigor and preparation
Cons:
- May not align perfectly with your intended college major
- AP exams can be stressful and time-consuming
- Not all universities offer generous AP credit policies
FAQs about AP College Credit at UH
1. What AP score is required for college credit at UH?
A score of 3 or higher is required to receive college credit at UH.
2. Where do I submit my AP score reports?
Submit your official AP score reports to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
3. When is the deadline for submitting AP score reports?
The deadline for submitting AP score reports is August 1 for fall enrollment and January 1 for spring enrollment.
4. How many AP courses can I use for college credit?
There is no limit to the number of AP courses you can use for college credit at UH.
5. Can AP college credit be used to satisfy major requirements?
AP college credit can be used to satisfy major requirements, but it is important to consult with your academic advisor to determine the specific requirements for your major.
6. How will AP college credit affect my GPA?
AP college credit does not affect your college GPA.
