AP and DP – University Credit Transfer Q&A

by BIS / 2022.06.02 Thursday / Published in news & event

As we announced the new AP courses beginning from the new semester, a lot of parents and students come up with different questions. Among the questions, we found that the most frequently asked is about the college credit transfer. Therefore, we invited our college counselors to ask some typical questions. Hope this article will provide more help when choosing subjects.

Q What does credit transfer mean for students?

A As we all know, to graduate from college, students will need to earn enough college credits. For each course students take during their degree studies, they can earn a number of credits. The theory of credit transfer is for colleges to believe that by taking AP or IB DP exams and provide qualifying exam scores, students have already equipped with the knowledge and skills once complete an equivalent course at college, therefore, are awarded credits without taking the course. By skipping classes, students can reduce the total amount of time spent pursuing a degree. Eliminating a semester or more of college classes can save a lot of money in tuition, fulfill graduation requirements early, and move more rapidly into the next phase of life.

Below is a sample transfer policy for DP and AP from College of William & Mary, USA

Q Which schools accept credit transfer for AP, which ones for DP?

A Universities across the world, except in the commonwealth countries where a Bachelors degree is typically 3 years instead of 4, award credits that students earned through both AP and IBDP exams.

Below is a sample transfer policy for AP from McGill University, Canada

Q What is the maximum number of course credits transferred and accepted? if I take both DP and AP courses will all the credits be transferred?

A The maximum number is subject to college policies, but only AP exam score of 3 or higher/ IB Higher Level score of 5 or higher will be awarded college credits. The admissions committee will review the entire academic history and will transfer the credits that are most useful towards a college degree. One of our graduates who is now studying at University of British Columbia in Canada successfully transferred 23 college credits which are equivalent to 8 general-education courses. Students who take both AP and IB exams for the same course are eligible to have only one exam posted for the course.

Q What courses will be accepted as course transfer credit?

A Refer to college website. In our case, all the AP and DP subjects we are offering can be accepted by colleges.

Q What if the AP courses were taken and earned many years ago like in G9 or G10?

A Unlike standardized tests (Eg. SAT/ TOEFL/ IELTS) scores which are valid for two years, AP courses and exam scores took in G9 and G10 can also be used for college admissions.

Q As a college counselor, what’s your suggestion for subject choices?

A If students are not sure of the path they wish to take, studying a broad range of subjects is likely to meet the entry requirements of many different degree courses. However, if they already know what they are going to study or they have a dream school or a preliminary list of colleges they wish to study at, make sure subject choices are consistent with the intended major to avoid restrictions later. For example, some majors require math/science at a higher level, some majors need Math AA, not AI. At the same time, to make the most out of the credit transfer policy, check the colleges’ website so that all the AP/IBDP subjects chosen are eligible for credit transfer.

Furthermore, should you have any more questions, talk to your AP/DP coordinators and college counselors about your interests, strengths and goals to help you identify a pathway that suits you academically, financially and culturally.