AP Credit
Carleton AP Credit
Carleton awards credit on 12 of the 12 common AP exams listed here. A 3 is enough on 2, and the other 10 need a higher score.
Lowest score accepted
3
Limit on AP credit
18 credits from AP, IB and other pre- or post-matriculation sources combined
Chart applies to
College-wide; Carleton credits (a standard course is 6 credits), 2026-27
These credits may not be applied to Liberal Arts requirements.
What each AP exam earns at Carleton
Twelve common exams. An exam is left out when Carleton’s page does not name it.
| AP exam | Lowest score | What it earns | With a 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB | 4 | 6 credits (for Mathematics 111) | Same |
| Calculus BC | 4 | 12 credits (for Mathematics 111 and 120) | Same |
| English Language and Composition | 4 | 6 credits (do not apply toward the English major) | Same |
| English Literature and Composition | 4 | 6 credits (do not apply toward the English major) | 6 credits toward the English major and exemption from the Foundations requirement |
| United States History | 4 | 6 credits (count toward a history major, United States field) | Same |
| Biology | 3 | 6 credits (do not apply to the major) | 6 credits toward the biology major and placement into Biology 126 |
| Chemistry | 4 | 6 credits toward a chemistry major; placement into Chemistry 224 or 233 | Same |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 3 | 3 credits | Same |
| Computer Science A | 4 | 6 credits (for Computer Science 111) | Same |
| Statistics | 4 | 6 credits (do not apply to the Statistics major) | Same |
| Psychology | 4 | 6 credits and exemption from Psychology 110 | Same |
| Spanish Language and Culture | 4 | 6 credits; Language Requirement fulfilled | Same |
“Carleton accepts any combination of up to 18 pre- or post-matriculation credits toward the Carleton degree from the following:”
Frequently asked questions
Does Carleton accept AP credit?
Carleton awards credit on 12 of the 12 common AP exams listed here. A 3 is enough on 2, and the other 10 need a higher score. These credits may not be applied to Liberal Arts requirements.
What AP score do you need at Carleton?
The lowest score that earns anything on the non-language exams listed here is a 3. The score needed differs by exam, so check the row for each one.
Is there a limit on AP credit at Carleton?
Yes. Carleton states this limit: 18 credits from AP, IB and other pre- or post-matriculation sources combined.
Read from Carleton’s own page and last checked 2026-10-08. Colleges change these charts, and rules can differ by school within a university, so confirm with the official page before you plan around it.
