Does Harvard Accept AP Credit? A Clear Answer

Harvard University is among the world’s most prestigious and sought-after educational institutions. With an acceptance rate of just 4.9%, it is a dream for many students to attend the Ivy League school. 

However, one question often arises is whether Harvard accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credits earned during high school.

The answer is yes; Harvard accepts AP credits only under certain conditions. To receive course credit, students must score a five on the corresponding AP exam. Even then, the credit may only be accepted for some courses, and it is up to the individual academic departments to decide whether to grant credit. 

Additionally, students granted credit may still be required to take certain courses to fulfill specific major or concentration requirements.

It is important to note that while Harvard accepts AP credits, it does not guarantee advanced standing. 

Instead, students who earn enough credits may be eligible for “Advanced Standing,” which allows them to graduate in fewer than eight semesters. 

However, this is still subject to approval by the academic departments and is not guaranteed. 

Understanding AP Credits

Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams are popular for high school students to challenge themselves and earn college credit. Harvard University is one of many institutions that accept AP credits under certain conditions. 

AP Courses

AP courses are high school classes designed to be more rigorous and challenging than typical courses. They cover college-level material and are intended to prepare students for the corresponding AP exam. 

Courses in Advanced Placement (AP) cover a range of subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies.

Not all high schools offer AP courses; some students may need to seek alternative options if they wish to take AP classes.

AP Exams

AP exams are standardized tests that the College Board administers. They are typically taken at the end of an AP course, although some students may choose to self-study for an exam. 

Each exam assesses a student’s knowledge and skills in a specific subject area. Scores on AP exams range from 1 to 5, where 5 represents the top score achievable.

AP Scores

Your AP scores, rated from 1 to 5 (5 being the best), show how well you did in the exam. Colleges use these scores to decide if you get credit for your AP course.

Harvard, for example, only accepts AP scores of 5 for course credit. Additionally, students must earn a minimum of 4 scores of 5 to qualify for Advanced Standing, which allows them to opt out of lower-level classes.

Harvard takes some AP credits, but not all courses qualify. Certain programs have specific rules for AP credits. To choose the right ones, students should ask their advisors for guidance.

Harvard’s Stance on AP Credit

Harvard University is famous for its tough academics and high student expectations. Many students are curious whether Harvard accepts their Advanced Placement (AP) scores for college credit.

Advanced Standing

Harvard College allows students to earn advanced standing through various means, including AP exams. Students who earn advanced standing can graduate in fewer than four years or take additional courses in their chosen field of study. To make advanced standing through AP exams, students must score a five on the exam in the subject they wish to receive credit for.

Harvard College has specific policies regarding which AP exams are accepted for advanced standing and how much credit is awarded. For example, students who earn a five on the AP Calculus BC exam can receive credit for Math 1a and Math 1b at Harvard. However, students who earn a five on the AP Statistics exam cannot receive credit for any Harvard courses.

Placement Exams

In addition to AP exams, Harvard also offers placement exams to students who wish to earn advanced standing. Placement exams are typically offered in languages, math, and science subjects. Students who pass a placement exam can receive credit for the corresponding Harvard course.

It is important to note that not all placement exams are available to all students. For example, the placement exam for Chemistry 20 is only available to students who have taken AP Chemistry or an equivalent course in high school. Students should check with the Harvard College Registrar’s Office to determine which placement exams are available.

Admission Process at Harvard

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and is known for its rigorous academic programs and selective admission process. The admission process at Harvard is highly competitive and requires a comprehensive application that includes various components.

Common Application

Among more than 900 colleges and universities in the United States, Harvard welcomes applications through the Common Application—a widely adopted standardized college application. 

The Common Application includes basic information about the applicant, such as their name, address, and high school information. 

It also provides essay prompts, allowing applicants to showcase their personality, interests, and achievements.

Coalition Application

Harvard also accepts the Coalition Application, a newer platform that aims to make the college application process more accessible for low-income and underrepresented students. 

The Coalition Application includes similar components to the Common Application but also contains tools and resources to help students navigate the college application process.

School Report

Harvard requires a School Report, which includes a counselor letter and the applicant’s high school transcript, as part of the application process. 

The counselor letter provides context about the applicant’s academic and personal achievements, while the high school transcript provides a comprehensive record of the applicant’s academic performance.

Teacher Report

Harvard also requires two Teacher Reports, which are letters of recommendation from two of the applicant’s high school teachers. 

The Teacher Reports offer valuable insights into the candidate’s academic prowess, dedication to work, and prospects for thriving at Harvard.

Midyear School Report

After the first semester of the applicant’s senior year, Harvard requires a Midyear School Report, which provides an update on the applicant’s academic performance. This report evaluates the applicant’s academic progress and potential for success at Harvard.

Final School Report

Finally, Harvard requires a Final School Report, which includes the applicant’s final high school transcript and confirms that the applicant graduated from high school. This report verifies the applicant’s academic credentials and ensures they are eligible to enroll at Harvard.

Test Scores and Harvard

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and admission to this institution is highly competitive. One of the factors that the admissions committee considers when evaluating applicants is their test scores. 

SAT

The SAT is a standardized test measuring students’ college-level work readiness. While Harvard does not have a minimum score requirement for the SAT, the average SAT score of admitted students is typically around 1500. It is important to note that the SAT is just one of many factors the admissions committee considers when evaluating applicants.

ACT

The ACT is another standardized test measuring students’ college-level work readiness. Like the SAT, Harvard does not have a minimum score requirement for the ACT. However, the average ACT score of admitted students is typically around 34. As with the SAT, the ACT is just one of many factors the admissions committee considers when evaluating applicants.

Subject Tests

Subject Tests are standardized tests that measure students’ knowledge in specific subject areas. While Harvard does not require applicants to submit Subject Test scores, they are recommended for students with particular academic interests or strengths. If a student chooses to submit Subject Test scores, they should submit scores from two tests in different subject areas.

In addition to the SAT, ACT, and Subject Tests, Harvard also considers Advanced Placement (AP) scores when evaluating applicants. Students who score a five on an AP exam may be eligible for advanced standing at Harvard, which allows them to skip introductory-level courses and move directly into more advanced coursework.

AP Credit and Specific Fields

Harvard University acknowledges Advanced Placement (AP) credits granted based on the score achieved in the corresponding AP exam and the particular course in consideration. However, the extent of credit allocation differs across departments and academic disciplines.

Science

Harvard accepts AP credits for science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics. Students who score a five on the AP Biology exam receive eight credits towards their degree, while students who score a five on the AP Chemistry exam also receive eight credits. 

Students who score a five on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam receive eight credits, and those who score a five on the AP Statistics exam receive four credits.

Mathematics

Harvard accepts AP credits for calculus courses, but the amount of credit awarded varies by the specific calculus exam. For example, students who score a five on the AP Calculus AB exam receive four credits, while students who score a five on the AP Calculus BC exam receive eight credits.

English

Harvard does not accept AP credits for English courses. Students must take an English placement exam to determine their course.

Foreign Language

Harvard accepts AP credits for foreign language courses such as Spanish, French, and German. 

Students who score a five on the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam receive eight credits, while those who score a five on the AP French Language and Culture exam also receive eight credits. 

Students who score a five on the AP German Language and Culture exam receive four credits.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Harvard University wants all students to afford education, no matter their money situation. They have aid and scholarships to help with tuition, fees, and living costs.

Harvard believes money should not stop anyone from going to college. They aid needy students, decided by forms like FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Many Harvard students (55%) get scholarships for financial needs. Families making less than $85,000 ($75,000 before 2023-2024) don’t have to pay for their child’s education. About 24% of Harvard families fall into this category.

Harvard also rewards good grades, leadership, and community involvement with scholarships. These awards are based on merit and don’t need a separate application.

Harvard also accepts external scholarships and grants from secondary schools, civic organizations, parental employers, corporations, the National Merit Scholarship Programs, VA Benefits, and the ROTC. 

Students who receive external scholarships or grants should notify the financial aid office to ensure that their aid package is adjusted accordingly.