Advanced Placement (AP) refers to college-level courses and exams offered in high schools that allow students to earn college credit or advanced standing before enrolling in a higher education institution. AP programs help bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary education, often improving readiness and reducing time to degree.
Admissions offices, academic advisors, and registrars use AP scores to determine course equivalency and credit awards. As part of transfer and articulation policies, AP credit policies contribute to smoother onboarding and academic planning for first-year students.
A program offering high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses and exams for potential credit.
College credit granted based on qualifying AP exam scores.
The official documentation of a student’s AP exam scores sent to colleges for evaluation.
The process of awarding credit based on exam performance rather than course completion.
An institution’s rules for how AP scores are applied to course prerequisites or credit.
A formal policy outlining how AP credits transfer and fulfill degree requirements at a given institution.
Many institutions are expanding the types of AP scores accepted and automating credit articulation via student information systems. AP data is also used to forecast first-year success and support advising decisions. With a growing focus on equitable access, some universities are revisiting policies to ensure AP credit supports diverse learner pathways.