Take AP credit for calc at Stevens? Yes or No?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stevens Institute of Technology
1

AP exam time is fast approaching and I am receiving conflicting advice - some say don’t worry about trying to get a 5 on the AP calc exam because engineering schools make you take “their” calculus course anyway. Others are telling me that DD should try for a 5 so that she can at least get credit for first semester calculus.

Does Stevens recommend you take their calculus courses no matter the score on AP calc exams? I know some of you posters already have children at Stevens and I’m looking for advice before I call admissions. Did your child take AP credit for calculus and skip a semester or two, or did they start from the beginning?

Just some info: DD is taking Calc AB and has a 92% average. She was on the pre-med track in her high school and didn’t decide she wanted to be an engineer until fall of senior year, hence why we settled for AB and not BC. Mom and Dad are looking to balance getting AP credit and save money on unnecessary college courses with what’s best for DD. Thanks in advance for your comments.

2

They do send a letter to certain majors such as engineers recommending that they take Calculus I regardless of how they did on the AP exam. It is not required, though. It depends on the student.

My son took BC and got a 5 on the AP. He went into Calc 2 and did not have any problems. I know other students who got 5s and went into Calc 1 anyway and they are glad they did because it made them feel more confident.

So it really depends on how your daughter did on the exam and how confident she feels. I am guessing that since she did not take BC, Calc 1 would probably be better for her to start out in.

3

All incoming freshmen are required to take a math placement test. I don’t remember if it had anything to do with AP course or not. You should ask about it if you call the school.

4

Yes, everyone takes the math placement test.