Does anyone know if we can use AP credits that cannot be counted as gen ed credits to apply as lower level electives?
Here is the AP credit chart http://www.umd.edu/catalog/attachments/AP.pdf
AP credits can be used for classes as defined in that chart, so when you say count for lower level electives, I’m not sure what you are asking.
Electives needed for graduation are determined by your major. Gen Eds are the “electives” defined by the university that must be completed in addition to your major requirements in order to graduate.
So, if you have an AP credit that has no transfer equivalent for a Gen Ed nor an elective needed within your major, then you still get those “credits” which give you seniority. This means you come in with that number of credits, so after the first semester, when class signups are determined by seniority of number of credits, you could have a sign up date for spring classes before other freshmen or conceivably even before a few sophomores (who came in with no credits).
So, for example, let’s say you have AP Art History. You get 3 credits for that but if you are not an art major (for argument’s sake we’ll say you are majoring in engineering) it doesn’t count as an elective towards your major, nor does it count as a gen ed. However, you still get “credit” for that so after taking 15 credits worth of classes your first semester, your transcript will show that you have 18 credits earned toward graduation, but still only 15 towards your major. Will it save you from taking any classes? Nope. However, it gives you 3 credits more than Mary who came in with no AP credits and took the same exact classes you did first semester, so you get to register for spring semester before she does and may get the last seat in a class you want where she would have to go on the waitlist. Make sense?
Thanks, maryversity! So if I understand you correctly and if I understand the finance curriculum checklist correctly (http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/academics/academic-majors/finance) then I could count say AP Stats for category 3 “Electives 100-200 Level” since it doesn’t fit in anywhere else?
Sorry, I copied the wrong link - http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/files/Documents/Programs/Undergraduate/Finance/finance2015.pdf
That’s going to have to be a question for your adviser at orientation. My son is an engineering student, so his electives have to be engineering technical electives. Sure, yours doesn’t specify, but I would never assume as it may be implied.
My son came in with about 15 credits that serve no purpose for his major nor for gen ed requirements. He gets the credit counted in his total credits earned but they do nothing other than earn him the right to register earlier than students with less total credits.