Historically, most schools mentioned the importance of AP and other advanced coursework as a way to demonstrate the rigor of the coursework, but the AP Exams scores have mainly been used for placement or credit rather than as an admissions component. This is also tied to the timing of the exams – AP exams taken and scored in senior year after students have applied to schools cannot be used for admissions.
In the current policy language, we see many more schools moving towards reviewing AP scores as part of the holistic review for the admissions process than we have seen in the past. This aligns with the trend of more students starting to take AP exams before senior year. Almost all school policies still reference the importance of AP courses and grades for demonstrating rigor of academics.
We reviewed the policies surrounding AP scores from the 22–23 admission year at 167 popular schools in the US, and found that about 30% now make some mention of viewing the scores specifically in a holistic admissions process. About 60% mention using APs for class credit and/or placement. We will update policies for the 23–24 year this spring.
A small handful of schools make some mention of using Subject Tests in holistic review, and we expect those schools to start referencing AP scores when they update their policies to reflect the cancellation of Subject Tests in June 2021. We also noted a number of schools explicitly recommending or requiring AP scores from homeschooled applicants, you can view those policies here.
Top 15 US Universities accept AP
No | University | AP Policy | Quy trình xét duyệt |
1 | Princeton University | If you sat for an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test, we recommend that you self-report all of your AP or IB scores on your application. For those who do submit standardized test scores, you must submit your SAT and/or ACT scores to Princeton directly from the testing firms. | |
2 | New York University | For students who choose to submit a test as part of their application, you must take the SAT, ACT, or AP exams before the NYU application deadline if you wish to use them as your standardized test score. | |
3 | Cornell University | Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores are optional and not required. Students who have taken the AP exam and wish to submit their scores can do so as follows: Students can use credit from AP exams to meet degree requirement as per the regulations of each college or faculty at Cornell to which they are applying. While this credit counts towards a bachelor's degree, its primary purpose is to exempt students from introductory courses and take advanced courses directly. | |
4 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Students should report the scores of any standardized tests they have taken or plan to take, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-level, Baccalauréat, etc., in the Test Scores section of the scholarship application. MIT does not require applicants to submit official scores as part of the scholarship application; instead, the institute has a verification process upon enrollment. | |
5 | Harvard College | Harvard University considers alternative standardized tests or academic accomplishments should an applicant choose to provide them. During the admissions process, supplemental information can be beneficial, and examples include Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, A-levels, national exit exams, national or international competitions, early assessment scores like the PSAT or pre-ACT, or extracurricular courses taken during the academic year or summer. With the exception of specific circumstances, the SAT Subject Tests and Essay have been discontinued. The Harvard Admissions Committee will evaluate all materials submitted by an applicant. Therefore, if you have taken the SAT Subject Tests or Essay, you are still encouraged to submit them along with your other application materials. | |
6 | Stanford University | Applicants who have taken the Advanced Placement (AP) exam are permitted to self-report their scores on the application. | |
7 | Yale University | Applicants who have completed Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or AICE exams before submitting their application can report their scores in the testing section of the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge National Match Application. Students may choose to report these scores if they believe their performance demonstrates exceptional achievement in specific academic areas. However, reporting test scores is optional. As with other application components, test scores will be evaluated within the context of a holistic assessment of each applicant. | |
8 | University of Pennsylvania | Upon evaluation, the University of Pennsylvania may grant course credit or advanced course placement to students who have participated in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other internationally recognized examinations. The minimum score requirements for credit eligibility vary across academic departments. | |
9 | California Institute of Technology | For applicants seeking admission to the Fall 2025 academic year (within the five-year window), standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT exams are not mandatory. Additionally, SAT Subject Test scores and AP scores will not be considered for admission purposes. | |
10 | Williams College | For many years, Williams College has maintained an optional admissions policy for SAT Subject Tests, AP scores, IB exams, A-levels, and language proficiency tests. This policy will remain in effect. | |
11 | Columbia University | Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores and other standardized tests are optional at Columbia. Columbia will accept your results if you choose to submit them in the testing section of the Common Application or Coalition Application. | |
12 | University of Chicago | The University of Chicago encourages all applicants, regardless of their testing choice, to submit additional materials that they believe best reflect their skills, talents, and potential contributions to UChicago. These materials may include, but are not limited to: creative writing projects; highlights from music/dance/visual arts/theater performances; major school projects such as AP Capstone, IB Extended Essay, or equivalent; research project summaries; business plans; or other noteworthy works. Students may also choose to submit AP, SAT Subject Test, or other additional test scores on an optional, self-reported basis. | |
13 | Johns Hopkins University | For students who possess a test score from the SAT, ACT, AP, IB, English proficiency exams, or other standardized assessments, and believe their score accurately reflects their academic aptitude, we encourage the submission of any test results they deem relevant to their application. | |
14 | Boston University | Boston University (BU) grants course credit for scores of 4 or 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) Exams for the majority of its academic programs. To secure Advanced Placement credit, ensure that you send your official exam scores directly to BU from the College Board. | |
15 | Duke University | Duke University places high regard on AP scores when submitted, as they demonstrate proficiency in specific subjects and enhance your academic record. You are encouraged to self-report these scores as part of your application. For incoming Duke students who intend to utilize these scores for credit or placement purposes, we will request an official score report. |
Top Universities Outside the US that Accept AP Scores
In addition to the widespread recognition of AP scores among US colleges and universities, over 450 institutions in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries also consider AP scores during the admissions process and award course credit for qualifying scores. Here's a glimpse into some of the prestigious universities outside the US that accept AP scores:
Canada:
- McGill University
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- Université de Montréal
- Waterloo University
United Kingdom:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
Australia:
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- University of Queensland
Other Countries:
- University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
- National University of Singapore (Singapore)
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong)
- University of Tokyo (Japan)
Contact TNIS now for more information about Advanced Placement (AP) Program.
We are proud to congratulate Bui Nguyen Ha Linh (8I) on her remarkable participation in the Children Global Summit in Dubai!
True North International School takes great pride in announcing the outstanding success of VMDC 2024 – the third season of the Vietnam Middle School Debate Championship (VMDC).
True North International School proudly celebrates the impressive performances of our two debate teams at VMDC 2024: TNIS Skittles and TNIS Bagel Bengal!
Today, November 20, TNIS was filled with smiles, joy, and heartfelt emotions during the Teacher’s Day Celebration – a special occasion to express deep gratitude to the dedicated educators who have guided our students on their journeys of growth.
On November 13th, TNIS students from Grades 6 to 10 had the incredible opportunity to join the Career Compass workshop and engage in an inspiring conversation with music producer Hoàng Anh Minh – an expert in music production.
True North International School is pleased to introduce to parents the TNIS FUTURE INNOVATORS Scholarship Program - Nurturing future creative talents!
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States created by the College Board. AP offers undergraduate university-level curricula and examinations to high school students. Colleges and universities in the US and around the world may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain qualifying scores on AP examinations.
The AP (Advanced Placement) program is a set of advanced courses with a difficulty level equivalent to first-year university level, designed for high school students. This program allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. AP courses and exams are widely offered in high schools and universities across the United States and are recognized by many universities worldwide.
Over the past few years we have tracked shifting policy language surrounding the use of AP scores in the college admissions process. We will continue to track these policies moving forward as we expect the role of AP scores in admissions to continue to evolve.
