How do college credits work?

[ucbalumnus]

@PlayWithPropane

AP Calc?? Why? Is this a difficult class?

Calculus tends to be more standardized in content, and more easily checked in an exam format.

@FireflyLights

my impression is that most people in engineering programs come in with at least some calculus

While this may be true at those engineering programs with the most competitive admissions, most engineering programs assume only that the student is ready for calculus (i.e. has completed precalculus in high school).

@NerdMom88

Also, even if you take an AP class and get a 5 on the exam, you may end up not applying for the AP credit anyway, if the class is essential to your major and you’d like to “brush up” by taking the equivalent course at your college. It’s a good way to start off with firm footing.

If the course that you can skip with AP credit is an important prerequisite for other courses, it would be a good idea to try the college’s old final exams for the course to check how well you know the material by the college’s standards.