However, they are often less useful for subject credit and advanced placement. For example, human geography, environmental science, and some of the other lighter ones are not very likely to fulfill colleges’ subject requirements or prerequisites for more advanced courses, compared to things like calculus. Generic elective credits are not all that useful unless the student wants to graduate early, take fewer credits in college before graduation (if the student’s major and general education subject requirements leave free elective credits to fulfill), or attend a college where registration priority is strictly by class standing calculated by credits including AP credit. In some cases, generic elective credits may be harmful, such as at universities that charge higher tuition for higher class standing and include AP credit in calculating class standing.
Some colleges (Tufts) won’t give credit for more than a certain number of AP exams.