John Hopkins University (JHU), a world-renowned institution of higher learning, has long been a leader in providing Advanced Placement (AP) credit to students for college-level coursework completed in high school. This innovative policy allows students to accelerate their academic progress, save money on tuition, and gain a competitive edge in the college admissions process.

Benefits of JHU AP Credit
Earning AP credit offers numerous benefits for high school students planning to pursue higher education:
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Accelerated Academic Progress: AP courses allow students to take college-level courses while still in high school, potentially earning college credits that will count towards their undergraduate degree. This enables them to complete their bachelor’s degree in a shorter amount of time.
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Financial Savings: College credits earned through AP exams can significantly reduce the cost of tuition by eliminating the need to retake equivalent courses in college. According to College Board, students taking AP exams in 2022 saved an average of $9,262 on college tuition.
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Competitive Edge in College Admissions: Strong AP scores indicate a student’s academic readiness and intellectual curiosity, which can impress college admissions officers and increase their chances of acceptance into top-tier universities.
JHU’s AP Credit Policy
JHU offers generous AP credit policies that allow students to earn college credit for a wide range of AP courses. The university accepts a score of 4 or 5 on most AP exams for credit. Students wishing to receive credit for an AP course should submit their official AP score report to the Office of Admissions.
The following table outlines the AP courses accepted by JHU and the corresponding college credit granted:
AP Course | College Credit Awarded |
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AP Biology | BIOL 101 (4 credits) |
AP Calculus AB | MATH 120 (4 credits) |
AP Calculus BC | MATH 130 (4 credits) |
AP Chemistry | CHEM 101 (4 credits) |
AP Computer Science A | CSCI 110 (4 credits) |
AP English Language and Composition | ENGL 100 (4 credits) |
AP English Literature and Composition | ENGL 101 (4 credits) |
AP European History | HIST 101 (4 credits) |
AP Physics 1 | PHYS 160 (4 credits) |
AP Physics 2 | PHYS 170 (4 credits) |
Beyond Traditional AP Courses
JHU recognizes that students may pursue other rigorous academic programs that extend beyond traditional AP courses. To facilitate this, the university offers alternative credit pathways, including:
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit: JHU accepts IB exam scores for college credit. Students should consult the Office of Admissions for specific requirements.
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Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses that count towards both their high school diploma and their undergraduate degree. JHU has partnerships with several nearby community colleges and universities that offer dual enrollment opportunities.
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Advanced Work: In some cases, students with exceptional academic achievements may be eligible to earn college credit through advanced work, such as independent study or research projects. The student should contact the relevant JHU department to inquire about this option.
Conclusion
John Hopkins University’s commitment to AP credit provides high school students with unparalleled opportunities to accelerate their academic progress, save money on tuition, and enhance their college applications. By embracing AP and alternative credit pathways, JHU is empowering students to take ownership of their education and achieve their full academic potential.
As the landscape of education continues to evolve, JHU will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of innovation, offering flexible and accessible pathways to higher education.