How do units given by passing AP tests work?

<p>So I'm reading the AP section in the UCR catalog ( University</a> of California, Riverside :: General Catalog ) and I'm not really getting it. </p>

<p>Like for example, I got a 4 for Bio. Do I get both 4 Nat Sci&Math (phys sci) unit credits AND 4 elective unit credits for a total of 8 units? Or is it a one or the other, you choose, kind of thing?</p>

<p>Also, at the top it says: "units granted for AP tests don't count towards the maximum number of units a student may accumulate prior to graduation from the university."
So does this mean the units I've been given from AP tests don't matter to the 180 total I'm supposed to reach to graduate? It's just to prevent me from taking a class I already recieved "units" for and I'm still supposed to get 180 units at UCR?</p>

<p>Very confused, please help.</p>

<p>I’m pretty sure it’s choose one or the other. The “units granted for AP tests…” is saying it’s not counted towards choosing a major earlier or graduating earlier. But then the next sentence sort of contradicts that, saying that you are not “required” to choose a major earlier or graduate earlier. It’s pretty confusing, I would just call the school to be sure.</p>

<p>I think the credits are given based on a default credit system. Certain AP exams will give “elective” units or “normal” units. For example, passing AP Chem will only give you 5 elective units, no normal units to get ahead in Chem class. Passing AP Calc BC will give you 8 normal (math) units, allowing you to skip Math9A/B classes. As far as I can tell, you don’t get to choose what type of units you want for the AP exams you pass, its either one or the other but not both, which are predetermined by the University.</p>

<p>Thanks guys. What about this: </p>

<p>I’ll be a pre-business student and STAT 48 is required. I’ve taken and passed my AP Stats test. Do I have to retake STAT 48 because it’s a required class for the pre-business student? </p>

<p>Basically is it that I can skip classes that are not required for my major/program but must take classes that are required and take the unit credits for something else (ex: “elective units”)</p>

<p>Well, I never took AP stats in high school, but from my friends who have taken it (CNAS majors) told me that it lets you get ahead by granting 5 units and skipping one stats class (Stats100A). I don’t actually know if it lets you skip Stats48, since its a different stats class. Your best bet is to wait for someone who is a business major that has taken AP Stats to tell you. Or you can try emailing your counselor; they’re usually pretty helpful in this answer these kinds of questions.</p>

<p>AP credits are accepted, but may not take the place of a course. Here is an example.</p>

<p>As a Bioengineering major, a passing score on the AP Bio test, regardless of number grade, will NOT be counted towards UCR Biology courses (meaning you will have to take the courses). However, the AP Bio credit, although not used as a Bio course replacement, will count towards your “general” degree credit. </p>

<p>Out of my AP tests: AP Bio, Calc AB, Physics C, AP Stats, only Calc AB counted for course credit. The others were used as “general” credit. </p>

<p>Overall, it depends what your major focuses on that determines if AP credit allows for class exemption.</p>

<p>JayMKS, I’m assuming you’re in CHASS. If so, if you got a 3 on your AP stats test, you’ll have to take STAT 48. If you got a 4 or 5, you’ve gotten credit for STAT 48 and do not have to take it. Check out page 31 of the catalog. Also take a look at the “Degree Check” area in GROWL. It will show what you’ve gotten credit for by taking the AP test. (If you got a 3 on the stats test, you’ll only have credit for STAT 40.)</p>

<p>Thanks for the help guys. I figured out at orientation that they give me both. & yeah, since I got a 4 on my AP Stats exam I don’t have to take it anymore. I get credit for that (also fulfills breadth req) & some extra elective credit I think which counts towards my 180 college unit graduation requirement</p>

<p>Regarding your questions on: 1) AP Bio, 2) Units from AP tests, and 3) AP Stats</p>

<p>1) Most AP tests, with a couple exceptions (gov’t and AB calculus come to mind), grant 8 units. So you get 4 units for your breadth requirement AND 4 units elective for a total of 8 units from AP Biology.</p>

<p>2) There is a 216 unit cap; this means that students are required to graduate after taking 216 units (there are extensions for double majors, lest anyone panic about that). That is the maximum number of units you can take prior to graduation. That sentence is telling you what any advisor will: AP units DO NOT count towards the 216 unit cap. They do, however, count towards getting you to your 180 needed to graduate.</p>

<p>For example, if you come in with 30 AP units then you will come in with 30 units already. This means you need to take an additional 150 (180-30 = 150) units in order to be eligible to graduate but you are allowed to have a MAXIMUM of 246 (216 + 30 = 246) units before you are required to graduate. </p>

<p>3) Per the catalog, AP Stats satisfies Stat 40 and 48 for CHASS students.</p>

<p>I’d ask the folks at admissions whom to get a breakdown of where AP credits apply. Our S went to USoCal with 14 APs. They were able to give him a printout of where he could use the APs toward requirements at his U. Most of them just went into a “bank” that helped him be able to register earlier and gave his advisor leverage to help waive requirements that S didn’t want to take. It wasn’t a one AP course replacing a particular course at his U for a set # of credits. Sorry, no experience with your U.</p>