Guidelines for Advanced-Placement Credit

The threshold for AP credit is a score of 4 on the B-level physics AP exam and a 3 on the C-level exam. Students with scores of at least 5 on the Higher-Level IB exam are also eligible for advanced-placement credit.

Students with a 4 on the B-level physics AP exam or a 5 or 6 on the Higher-Level IB exam can receive 6 hours of credit for Physics 104/105 (lecture only) after completing the 1-hour special laboratory courses, Physics 104L and 105L. You must sign up for these latter courses through the department (278 Phillips Hall). Similarly, students with a score of 3 on the mechanics or E&M portions of the C-level physics AP exam plus successful completion of Physics 104L or 105L can earn credit for the lecture portion of Physics 104 or 105, whichever is appropriate.

A score of 5 on the B-level physics AP exam or 7 on the Higher-Level IB exam exam earns credit for Physics 104 and 105, including the lab (4 hours each). A score of 4 or 5 on the mechanics or E&M portions of the C-level physics AP exam earns 4 hours of credit for Physics 104 or 105 (whichever is appropriate), including the lab.

We do not give credit for Physics 116 or 117 based on AP exams. However, we do offer placement exams for those courses on the day before classes start each semseter. You must sign up for those exams in advance.

If you have questions concerning these policies, please contact Dr. Jonathan Engel (Director of Undergraduate Studies).