Do Medical Schools Accept AP Credit?

Scoring high on Advanced Placement (AP) exams can be a big win. You may earn college credit or be placed in higher-level classes once you begin college. Most colleges allow AP credits in some way, but medical schools can be a little stricter.

If you’re planning on going into the medical field, you'll want to know how medical schools treat AP credits. You’ve worked hard to earn those credits, so let’s break down how med schools usually view and handle them.

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Medical School

Here’s the deal: every medical school has its own rules about AP credits.

• Some schools will take AP credits for core classes like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. They see AP classes as solid prep work.
  

• Others won’t accept AP credits at all. They want you to take those classes in college, usually at a higher (upper-division) level.
  

• A lot of schools land in the middle. They might accept AP credit, but only if you also take advanced courses in the same subject once you’re in college.

You can see that policies are all over the place. You’ll need to look up each medical school’s specific requirements so you don’t get caught off guard.

Why Some Medical Schools Don't Accept AP Credit

Medical schools have valid concerns about accepting AP coursework for core prerequisites.

Depth of Content Coverage

AP courses cover broad topics in a single academic year. Medical schools worry that this breadth-over-depth approach doesn't provide foundational knowledge.

Limited Laboratory Experience 

Many AP science courses have minimal hands-on laboratory components. Medical schools value extensive lab experience for developing practical scientific skills.

University-Level Mastery Requirements 

Medical schools want assurance that students have demonstrated college-level understanding of prerequisite subjects. They view university coursework as a more reliable indicator of academic readiness.

These variations are why admissions committees prefer seeing science prerequisites on your transcripts.

Common Pre-Med Prerequisites and AP Credit Policies

How do most medical school admissions officials view AP subjects? Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Math and English AP credits are more common at med schools than other subjects.

What Top Medical Schools Say About AP Credit

Let's examine policies from some of the most popular medical schools to understand the current trends.

Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School (opens in a new tab) does not accept AP credit for core science prerequisites. They require all Biology, Chemistry, and Physics coursework to be completed at the university level. This is because Harvard wants to be sure students are well-prepared for medical studies. They give a few AP credits, but there are specific stipulations. Be sure to review their Advanced Placement policies.

Stanford School of Medicine

Stanford School of Medicine (opens in a new tab) doesn’t offer AP credit. AP classes can help prepare you for more rigorous college-level work. Stanford provides undergraduate students with placement in an advanced science course with a strong score. 

University of Michigan Medical School

The (opens in a new tab)University of Michigan Medical School (opens in a new tab) doesn’t accept AP credit for advanced placement. Science prerequisites must be completed through university coursework. If your undergrad school granted AP credits, UMich will take them, but only for English and Math. They will not accept them for science courses like Biology or Chemistry.

Example: What "Supplemented" Means

When a medical school says you need “supplemented coursework,” it means they want you to go beyond the basic requirements. Which means you'll need to take advanced classes. This helps show that you’re ready for the tough classes you’ll face in med school.

For example, if you used AP Biology, you might also need to take an upper-level class like Molecular Biology in college.

How to Use AP Credit Strategically as a Pre-Med

Smart use of AP credit can benefit your medical school preparation journey.

Place Into Higher-Level Classes

Use your AP scores to skip introductory courses and jump into advanced classes at the undergrad level. This strategy saves time while still meeting the expectations of medical school.

For example, use AP Chemistry to place into Organic Chemistry instead of repeating General Chemistry.

Save Time for Research or a Second Major

AP credits can free up schedule space for valuable experiences. Consider using this extra time for:

• Research opportunities with faculty members.

• Pursuing a second major or minor.

• Gaining clinical experience through volunteering.

• Building leadership skills in student organizations.

Confirm Policies with Each School's Admissions Office

Don’t count on medical schools accepting your AP credits. Every school has its own rules. Take some time to research and check with the colleges you’re interested in. You'll want to know their current AP policies. And keep in mind, schools can change their rules over time, so always double-check when it’s your turn to apply.

What If You Already Used AP Credit for a Prerequisite?

Don't panic if you've been given AP credit for an undergrad course, and then find out your med school won’t honor it. You have several options:

Retake the Subject in University

Many students decide to retake prerequisite courses at the university level. This will satisfy the med school requirements.

Take an Upper-Level Version with Laboratory Component

Advanced courses in the same subject area often satisfy these requirements. Ensure these courses include substantial laboratory work.

Take Summer Courses to Fill Gaps

Summer sessions let you complete missing prerequisites without disrupting your regular academic schedule. You may take introductory and lower-level undergrad courses at a local community college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AP Biology count for med school?

Some medical schools accept AP Biology with a score of 5. Most prefer university-level Biology coursework. Consider taking advanced Biology courses even if your AP credit is accepted. Your AP course still provides a solid foundation.

Will I need to retake Chemistry if I used AP credit?

This depends on your target medical schools. Many schools don't accept AP Chemistry. You’ll still need General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry at the university level.

Can I apply to med school with just AP Physics?

Very few medical schools accept only AP Physics. Most require university Physics with laboratory components. Plan to take Physics courses during your undergraduate studies.

Final Thoughts

AP credits can give you a boost as you prepare for medical school. But they aren’t a substitute for taking science classes in college.

If you can, use AP credits to move into higher-level courses. It's better than skipping subjects altogether. This way, you’re still showing that you can handle challenging college-level work.

It’s also a good idea to meet with a pre-med adviser early on. They can explain what medical schools expect. This can help avoid surprises later in the application process.

At the end of the day, med schools want to see that you’ve excelled in science courses at the university level. Think of your AP credits as a head start, not a free pass. Plan ahead. Do your research. Then use those credits to build an even stronger foundation for success.

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Resources

Harvard Medical School AP Policy (opens in a new tab)

Stanford School of Medicine (opens in a new tab)

University of Michigan Medical School (opens in a new tab)