Unlock the Power of AP Credit at USC

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are rigorous assessments that allow high school students to earn college credit and placement. USC recognizes the value of AP coursework and offers generous AP credit policies to incoming freshmen. By taking advantage of AP credit, you can:
- Accelerate your studies: Advance through coursework more quickly, saving time and money.
- Expand your academic horizons: Explore new subjects and delve deeper into areas of interest.
- Enhance your GPA: Boost your GPA by replacing lower-level courses with college-level coursework.
USC AP Credit Policy
USC awards AP credit based on the following criteria:
- Exam score: A score of 3 or higher generally qualifies for credit.
- Course subject: USC only awards credit for exams that correspond to introductory-level USC courses.
Table 1: USC AP Credit Equivalencies
AP Exam | USC Equivalent | College Credit |
---|---|---|
English Language and Composition | Writing 150 | 3 units |
English Literature and Composition | Writing 150 | 3 units |
Calculus AB | Math 125 | 5 units |
Calculus BC | Math 125 and Math 126 | 10 units |
Biology | BIOL 100 | 4 units |
Chemistry | CHEM 105 | 5 units |
Physics 1 | PHYS 105 | 4 units |
Physics C: Mechanics | PHYS 151 | 5 units |
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | PHYS 152 | 5 units |
Benefits of Using AP Credit at USC
- Flexibility: Choose which AP courses to submit for credit, allowing you to customize your academic path.
- Cost savings: Avoid taking and paying for courses you’ve already mastered through AP.
- Enhanced academic standing: Arrive at USC with advanced placement, which can open doors to research, honors programs, and more.
Pain Points and Motivations
- Time constraints: AP courses require significant time and effort, potentially conflicting with other extracurricular activities.
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Financial concerns: AP exams can be expensive, especially if multiple exams are taken.
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Desire for academic excellence: Students motivated to pursue rigorous coursework and accelerate their studies.
- Financial incentives: Cost savings associated with using AP credit can be a major motivator.
Effective Strategies
- Plan ahead: Identify which AP courses align with your interests and academic goals.
- Prepare thoroughly: Study diligently for AP exams to maximize your score potential.
- Submit scores strategically: Consider carefully which AP scores to submit for credit based on your academic goals and future plans.
Tips and Tricks
- Check USC’s AP credit policies regularly: The university may update its policies over time.
- Use AP credit to explore new areas: Consider using AP credit to open up opportunities for studying subjects you haven’t taken in high school.
- Balance AP coursework with other activities: Don’t overload yourself with AP courses at the expense of other important aspects of your high school experience.
- Contact USC’s Office of Admissions: If you have any questions or concerns about AP credit, don’t hesitate to reach out to the university for guidance.
Table 2: AP Credit and USC Majors
Major | Recommended AP Courses |
---|---|
Biology | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Business | Economics, Calculus, Statistics |
Computer Science | Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles |
Engineering | Calculus BC, Physics C, Chemistry |
Humanities | English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, History |
Social Sciences | Psychology, Sociology, Government and Politics |
Table 3: AP Credit and USC Honors Programs
Honors Program | Recommended AP Courses |
---|---|
Arnold Honors Program | 3 AP courses with scores of 4 or higher |
Dornsife Honors College | 2 AP courses with scores of 4 or higher |
Renaissance Scholars Program | 1 AP course with a score of 5 |
Table 4: Alternative Methods of Earning College Credit
Method | College Credit Potential |
---|---|
International Baccalaureate (IB) | 1-3 college credits per exam |
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) | 3-12 college credits per exam |
Dual Enrollment | 3-6 college credits per semester |
Advanced Standing Exams | Varies by university |