Do all colleges accept AP Exam scores?

The vast majority of colleges and universities in the United States recognize the value of the AP program and accept AP Exam scores for either college credit, advanced placement, or both. However, it is crucial to understand that each college sets its own AP credit policy, and these policies can vary significantly from one institution to another.

Some colleges are very generous, awarding credit for scores of 3 or higher in a wide range of subjects. Others are more selective, only granting credit for scores of 4 or 5, and some may only accept credit for certain subjects. For example, a university might grant credit for AP Calculus BC with a score of 4, but not for AP Psychology with the same score. Before you take an exam, it's a wise strategy to research the credit policies of the schools you are interested in. The best resource for this is the College Board's official AP Credit Policy Search tool. This online database allows you to look up any college and see exactly which AP exams they accept, what scores they require, and how much credit they award. This information can help you make informed decisions about which AP exams to take and what scores to aim for.