William and Mary (W&M) is a prestigious public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is well-known for its academic excellence, historical significance, and commitment to undergraduate education. For prospective students, AP credits offer a valuable opportunity to accelerate their academic progress, potentially saving time and money.
What is AP Credit?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program that allows high school students to take university-level courses and potentially earn college credit before graduating. AP courses are offered in a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies. By taking these courses and passing the corresponding AP exams, students can earn college credit that is recognized by W&M. According to the College Board, over 90% of colleges and universities in the U.S. accept AP exam scores.
Benefits of AP Credit at William and Mary
W&M encourages students to take advantage of AP credit. As of Fall 2023, W&M awards credit for 38 AP exams (see Table 1 below). The benefits of earning AP credit include:
- Accelerated coursework: AP credit can help students progress through their coursework more quickly, allowing them to take more advanced classes or graduate early.
- Increased flexibility: AP credit can provide students with more flexibility in their course selection, allowing them to pursue their interests and passions.
- Reduced costs: Earning AP credit can save students time and money by reducing the number of semesters they need to complete their degree. A report published by the National Center for Education Statistics(2021) revealed that earning AP course credits can save between $400 to $1,500 per course.
- Improved academic performance: Students who take AP courses tend to perform better in college, demonstrating higher levels of critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills.
How to Use AP Credit at William and Mary
To use AP credit at W&M, students must have their official AP exam scores sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Students can request that their scores be sent either electronically or by mail. Once the scores are received, W&M will evaluate them and determine the corresponding course credit.
AP Credit Policies at William and Mary
W&M has specific policies regarding the use of AP credit:
- Credit for AP exams: See Table 1 below for a list of AP exams that W&M accepts for credit.
- Minimum score requirement: Most AP exams require a score of 4 or 5 to earn college credit.
- Course equivalencies: AP credit can be used to fulfill specific course requirements or to meet general elective requirements.
- Transfer credit: AP credit can only be used to satisfy requirements at W&M. It cannot be transferred to other institutions without evaluation.
Using AP Credit Strategically
Students should carefully consider how they use AP credit to maximize its benefits. Here are some effective strategies:
- Plan ahead: Research AP courses and exams early on to determine which ones best fit your academic interests and goals.
- Take challenging courses: Don’t shy away from challenging AP courses. They will prepare you well for college coursework and help you earn higher AP exam scores.
- Focus on understanding: AP courses are not just about memorizing facts. Focus on understanding the concepts and developing critical thinking skills.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or classmates if you need it.
- Explore other options: Consider taking dual enrollment or honors courses in addition to AP courses to further accelerate your academic progress.
Conclusion
AP credit can be a valuable asset for students attending William and Mary. By taking AP courses and passing the corresponding exams, students can accelerate their academic progress, gain more flexibility in their course selection, reduce their college costs, and improve their academic performance. By carefully planning and using AP credit strategically, students can make the most of this opportunity and achieve their academic goals at W&M.
Appendices
1. AP Credit for Specific Exams
| AP Exam | Score Requirement | W&M Course Equivalency |
|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | 4 or 5 | BIOL 250 |
| AP Calculus AB | 4 or 5 | MATH 121 |
| AP Calculus BC | 4 or 5 | MATH 122 |
| AP Chemistry | 4 or 5 | CHEM 105 |
| AP Computer Science A | 4 or 5 | COMP 150 |
| AP English Language and Composition | 4 or 5 | WRIT 100 |
| AP English Literature and Composition | 4 or 5 | ENGL 120 |
| AP French Language and Culture | 4 or 5 | FREN 201 |
| AP German Language and Culture | 4 or 5 | GERM 201 |
| AP History of the Americas | 4 or 5 | HIST 100 |
| AP Physics 1 | 4 or 5 | PHYS 101 |
| AP Physics 2 | 4 or 5 | PHYS 102 |
| AP Psychology | 4 or 5 | PSYC 101 |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | 4 or 5 | SPAN 201 |
| AP Statistics | 4 or 5 | STAT 120 |
| AP U.S. Government and Politics | 4 or 5 | GOVT 101 |
| AP U.S. History | 4 or 5 | HIST 101 |
2. List of AP Exams Accepted for Credit
| AP Exam | Department |
|---|---|
| AP Art History | Art and Art History |
| AP Biology | Biology |
| AP Calculus AB | Mathematics |
| AP Calculus BC | Mathematics |
| AP Chemistry | Chemistry |
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP Computer Science A | Computer Science |
| AP Computer Science Principles | Computer Science |
| AP Drawing | Art and Art History |
| AP Economics (Macroeconomics) | Economics |
| AP Economics (Microeconomics) | Economics |
| AP English Language and Composition | English |
| AP English Literature and Composition | English |
| AP Environmental Science | Geology |
| AP French Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP German Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP Government and Politics: Comparative | Government |
| AP Government and Politics: United States | Government |
| AP Greek Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP History of the Americas | History |
| AP History of Art | Art and Art History |
| AP Human Geography | Geology |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP Latin | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP Macroeconomics | Economics |
| AP Mathematics Statistics | Mathematics |
| AP Microeconomics | Economics |
| AP Music Theory | Music |
| AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based | Physics |
| AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based | Physics |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | Physics |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | Physics |
| AP Psychology | Psychology |
| AP Research | N/A |
| AP Seminar | N/A |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | Modern Languages and Literatures |
| AP Studio Art: 2-D Design | Art and Art History |
| AP Studio Art: 3-D Design | Art and Art History |
| AP Studio Art: Drawing | Art and Art History |
| AP Statistics | Mathematics |
| AP U.S. Government and Politics | Government |
| AP U.S. History | History |
| AP World History: Modern | History |
3. AP Credit Transferability
AP credit is widely accepted at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. However, the specific policies regarding the transfer of AP credit vary from institution to institution. Students are encouraged to contact the registrar’s office at their intended transfer institution to determine the specific transferability of AP credit.
4. AP Credit and Financial Aid
AP credit can have a positive impact on a student’s financial aid eligibility. By reducing the number of semesters a student needs to complete their degree, AP credit can save them time and money, which can then be applied towards other expenses such as tuition, fees, or living expenses.
