Earning college credit while still in high school can save you both time and money. The University of Colorado Boulder offers generous AP credit policies, making it easy for students to transition smoothly from high school to college.
Benefits of Earning AP Credit
- Save time: Earning AP credit can help you graduate from college early or lighten your course load during your time there.
- Save money: Each AP credit you earn can save you hundreds of dollars in tuition costs.
- Improve your academic standing: AP courses are rigorous and challenging, so earning credit for them can demonstrate your academic ability to college admissions offices and professors.
- Explore your interests: AP courses offer a wide range of subjects, so you can explore your interests and discover new passions.
AP Credit Policies at CU Boulder
CU Boulder offers AP credit for scores of 3 or higher on most AP exams. The amount of credit you earn depends on the specific exam and your intended major.
Here’s a table summarizing the AP credit policies for some popular majors at CU Boulder:
| Major | AP Exam | Credit Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Sciences | English Language and Composition | 3 credits |
| Arts and Sciences | English Literature and Composition | 3 credits |
| Arts and Sciences | Calculus AB | 4 credits |
| Arts and Sciences | Calculus BC | 8 credits |
| Arts and Sciences | Chemistry | 4 credits |
| Arts and Sciences | Physics 1 | 4 credits |
| Arts and Sciences | Physics 2 | 4 credits |
| Business | English Language and Composition | 3 credits |
| Business | English Literature and Composition | 3 credits |
| Business | Calculus AB | 4 credits |
| Business | Calculus BC | 8 credits |
| Business | Statistics | 4 credits |
| Engineering | Calculus AB | 4 credits |
| Engineering | Calculus BC | 8 credits |
| Engineering | Chemistry | 4 credits |
| Engineering | Physics 1 | 4 credits |
| Engineering | Physics 2 | 4 credits |
Note: This table is not exhaustive. For a complete list of AP credit policies, please visit the CU Boulder website.
How to Apply for AP Credit
To apply for AP credit, you must submit your official AP score report to the CU Boulder Office of Admissions. You can do this online or by mail.
Once your score report has been received, the Office of Admissions will evaluate your credit and apply it to your transcript.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not taking AP courses seriously: AP courses are rigorous and challenging, so it’s important to take them seriously and put in the effort to succeed.
- Not studying for AP exams: AP exams are crucial for earning college credit, so it’s important to study hard and prepare thoroughly for them.
- Not submitting your AP score report: You must submit your official AP score report to CU Boulder in order to receive credit for your AP exams.
- Not meeting the AP credit requirements: Be sure to check the AP credit policies for your intended major to ensure that you meet the requirements for credit.
Get Started Today
If you’re interested in earning AP credit, talk to your high school counselor today. They can help you choose the right AP courses for you and develop a plan to prepare for AP exams.
With a little planning and effort, you can earn AP credit and get a head start on your college career.
