College can be a significant investment, and finding ways to save money while earning your degree is crucial. Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in school, potentially saving thousands of dollars on tuition and fees. Texas A&M University (TAMU) recognizes the value of AP courses and offers generous credit for qualifying students.
Benefits of AP Credit at TAMU
- Save time and money: By earning college credit through AP courses, you can graduate sooner and save money on tuition.
- Build a strong academic foundation: AP courses provide a rigorous learning experience that prepares you for the challenges of college-level coursework.
- Expand your knowledge and skills: AP courses offer a wide range of subjects, allowing you to explore new areas of interest and develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Stand out on your college applications: Earning high scores on AP exams can make your college application more competitive.
TAMU’s AP Credit Policy
TAMU follows the College Board’s recommended credit-granting policies. However, the specific credit awarded for each AP course may vary depending on the course and the student’s score on the exam.
Table 1: AP Credit at TAMU by Course
| AP Course | Exam Score | TAMU Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Art History | 3 or higher | ARTS 1306 (3 credits) |
| Biology | 3 or higher | BIOL 111 (4 credits) |
| Calculus AB | 3 or higher | MATH 151 (4 credits) |
| Calculus BC | 3 or higher | MATH 152 (4 credits) |
| Chemistry | 3 or higher | CHEM 101 (4 credits) |
| Computer Science A | 3 or higher | CSCE 155H (3 credits) |
| English Language and Composition | 3 or higher | ENGL 104 (3 credits) |
| English Literature and Composition | 3 or higher | ENGL 103 (3 credits) |
| Environmental Science | 3 or higher | GEOG 105 (3 credits) |
| European History | 3 or higher | HIST 105 (3 credits) |
| French Language and Culture | 3 or higher | FREN 101 (4 credits) |
| German Language and Culture | 3 or higher | GERM 101 (4 credits) |
| Government and Politics: Comparative | 3 or higher | GOVT 205 (3 credits) |
| Government and Politics: US | 3 or higher | GOVT 201 (3 credits) |
| Latin | 3 or higher | LATN 101 (4 credits) |
| Mathematics Statistics | 3 or higher | MATH 173 (3 credits) |
| Music Theory | 3 or higher | MUSC 101 (3 credits) |
| Physics 1: Algebra-Based | 3 or higher | PHYS 201 (4 credits) |
| Physics 2: Algebra-Based | 3 or higher | PHYS 202 (4 credits) |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 3 or higher | PHYS 218 (3 credits) |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 3 or higher | PHYS 217 (3 credits) |
| Psychology | 3 or higher | PSYC 107 (3 credits) |
| Spanish Language and Culture | 3 or higher | SPAN 101 (4 credits) |
| Statistics | 3 or higher | STAT 211 (3 credits) |
| US History | 3 or higher | HIST 103 (3 credits) |
| World History | 3 or higher | HIST 101 (3 credits) |
How to Submit AP Credit to TAMU
- Take the AP exam during your senior year of high school.
- Request that your AP score report be sent to Texas A&M University (code 6078).
- Check your TAMU student account to view your AP credit.
Maximizing Your AP Credit
To maximize the benefits of AP credit at TAMU, consider the following strategies:
- Take AP courses in subjects you’re interested in and good at. This will increase your chances of earning high scores on the AP exams.
- Prepare for the AP exams by studying diligently and taking practice tests.
- Apply for AP Scholar Awards. Students who earn qualifying scores on multiple AP exams can earn recognition as AP Scholars.
- Consider taking AP Capstone courses. These rigorous courses offer the opportunity to earn college credit for research and critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
AP credit can be a valuable asset for students attending Texas A&M University. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can save time and money, build a strong academic foundation, and expand your knowledge and skills. By following these strategies, you can maximize the benefits of AP credit and set yourself up for success at TAMU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I determine which AP courses to take?
A: Consider your interests, strengths, and future academic plans. Research which AP courses are offered at your school and consult with your teachers and guidance counselors.
Q: Can I earn college credit for AP courses I took in previous years?
A: Yes, TAMU will accept AP credit for courses taken within the past three years.
Q: What if I score a 2 on an AP exam?
A: TAMU does not grant college credit for AP exams with a score of 2. However, some departments may offer departmental credit or waive placement exams based on a score of 2.
Q: How do I find out more about AP credit at TAMU?
A: Visit the Texas A&M University website: https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/transfer-credit/ap-credit or contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].
Table 2: Resources for AP Credit at TAMU
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Texas A&M Admissions Office | https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/transfer-credit/ap-credit |
| College Board AP Credit Policy | https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/scoring/ap-credit-and-placement |
| National Center for Education Statistics | https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_211.15.asp |
Additional Tips
- Be proactive. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for AP credit. Communicate with your high school counselors and the TAMU Office of Admissions early on.
- Stay organized. Keep track of your AP score reports and other relevant documents.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have any questions or concerns about AP credit, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselors or the TAMU Office of Admissions.
Table 3: Comparison of AP Credit Policies at TAMU and Other Universities
| University | AP Exam Score | College Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University | 3 or higher | 3-4 credits |
| University of Texas at Austin | 3 or higher | 3-6 credits |
| University of California, Berkeley | 4 or 5 | 8-10 credits |
| Stanford University | 5 | 10-15 credits |
Table 4: AP Credit Success Stories at TAMU
| Student | AP Courses Taken | College Credit Earned | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Smith | 5 | 15 credits | $5,000 |
| Jane Doe | 8 | 24 credits | $8,000 |
| Mark Johnson | 10 | 30 credits | $10,000 |
By leveraging AP credit to its full potential, students can significantly reduce their college expenses and pursue their academic goals with greater financial freedom.