<p>A bit unclear: I think it would be easier as a freshman to take 13-15 credits and start off well due to AP credits rather than taking 17 credits of introductory classes your freshman year to fulfill all required credits.</p>
<p>In general, I don't see the educational value of not taking credit for AP classes - most classes here are really not that hard as long as you put in the time. </p>
<p>The downside of taking credit for APs is that you can easily end up paying more than $3,000 (in-state) extra because you are suddenly considered an upperclassman after one or two semesters. I think UM's policy on this is ridiculous, and they are penalizing kids for working harder in high school.</p>
<p>OK, I guess I did come in with a bunch of other credits...4 for Spanish, 4 for US History, 4 for World History, 4 for US Gov.</p>
<p>If you are an engineer, I would definitely recommend taking credits like that to fulfill your general elective requirements. That way you can just focus on the math/science/engineering classes and not have to worry about 17 credits/semester. That many credits as an engineer is a lot of work. I guess the key is having a plan and sticking to it from day one, which most people, including myself, do not do.</p>
<p>the thing is that if you don't use your AP credits you end up registering LAST and don't get the classes you need/want.</p>