If I came into my freshman year with 35 units from AP classes, sophomore standing, how does that affect the transfer process? Most schools have a unit cap for transfer applicants so I imagine I would need to apply during freshman year. Does that mean high school grades are still a primary criterion in admissions?
The new school can give credits for some or all of the AP classes. You’ll submit your transcript(s) and the new school will tell you what credits will transfer, either from AP or from your first school.
You don’t have to transfer as a freshman, but the school will always review and assess your transcripts.
I’m worried less about whether my credits will transfer than what will happen if they do. Most schools have a unit cap of 90 units, and they want students coming in as juniors and no later. Applying my freshman year would be the only way to stay below the unit cap wouldn’t it?
Almost all schools do not count AP credits towards any limits.
It would help if you mentioned some school names.