Does Harvard Accept AP Credit? What You Need to Know

Getting into Harvard is a great honor, and it takes a lot of work to get there. Some of your hard work probably included taking AP classes and exams. Since you put in the work to get high scores on AP exams, you want to know if Harvard gives AP credit.

Harvard doesn't give college credit for AP exams, but they may use them to place you in higher-level courses that you’ll find more interesting.

Does Harvard Give College Credit for AP Exams?

The short answer is no, Harvard won’t give you college credit for your AP exams. However, Harvard has some other options that you may find super beneficial. What Harvard does do is use your scores to place you in higher-level classes. This means you may be able to skip introductory classes in core subjects. You can go straight to higher-level courses. 

You will need to send your AP exam scores to Harvard (opens in a new tab) through the College Board (opens in a new tab) for them to be official. Is it worth it to take AP courses if you are planning on going to Harvard? Absolutely. 

Your AP scores can help you:

• Skip introductory courses

• Jump straight into higher-level classes

• Potentially graduate early

• Free up time for research or electives

What Is Harvard's Advanced Standing Program?

Harvard's Advanced Standing program is like a fast-track option for first-year students who stand out academically. Students can use AP or IB credits to enter Harvard with a year’s worth of college credit. This means you could graduate a year early, take more advanced courses, or work on more than one degree at a time.

To earn advanced standing credits, students need to score a 5 on at least four AP exams. Advanced standing is activated at the end of the sophomore year for students who qualify.

If you qualify, Advanced Standing lets you do some pretty amazing things, like:

• Graduate in 3 years instead of 4. Imagine saving a whole year of tuition fees and starting your career earlier.

• Pursue a master's degree while you are still an undergraduate. Harvard's AB/SM program allows you to earn both degrees at the same time.

• Skip introductory courses. Jump straight into the challenging, interesting stuff that made you want to study your subject in the first place.

Advanced placement is just one option, and it’s not recommended for all students.

Which AP Exams Does Harvard Accept for Placement?

Not all AP exams are created equal, according to Harvard. The university is very selective about which subjects it'll consider.

Harvard typically accepts AP scores of 5 in core academic subjects, including:

• Calculus BC

• Chemistry

• Biology

• English Literature

• U.S. History

• Economics

AP exams scores in these courses may let you skip introductory courses in these subjects. You could also satisfy language requirements or place directly into higher-level classes.

But at Harvard, placement for AP credits is handled differently depending on the department. For example, what the Math department does with AP scores may not be what the History or English departments do.

Does Harvard Accept AP Scores of 3 or 4?

Even though 4 is a good score on an Ap exam, Harvard generally doesn’t accept anything but a 5. However, having a score of 4 or 5 may still help with placement in some departments at Harvard. It's worth checking with specific departments about their policies.

Scores of 3? Unfortunately, these are typically not recognized by Harvard for any purpose.

Should You Report AP Scores to Harvard?

Absolutely yes: especially if you've got 5s in core academic subjects.

Reporting strong AP scores shows Harvard that you can handle more challenging academic work.

These scores can also support placement decisions once you're enrolled. Even if they don't count for Advanced Standing, they might help you skip prerequisite courses.

To report your scores officially, use your College Board account (opens in a new tab) to send score reports directly to Harvard.

What Harvard Says About AP Credit: A Summary Table

Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand how different AP scores are treated:

There are some AP subjects that are not eligible for Advanced Placement. These include:

• AP Art

• AP Comparative Government & Politics

• AP Computer Science A

• AP Environmental Science

• AP Human Geography

• AP International English

• AP Music History

• AP Physics 1 & 2

• AP US Government & Politics

• AP World History

Note: Always refer to Harvard department’s official policies for the most up-to-date information.

How AP Credit Affects Course Planning at Harvard

Getting placement credit can actually super-charge your university experience.

You might be allowed to skip General Education requirements or introductory classes. This opens up loads of opportunities.

You could use that extra time for electives in subjects you're more passionate about. Or dive into undergraduate research earlier.

Thinking about a double major? AP placement could give you the flexibility to pursue two fields of study.

Do your research and consider your options carefully. Some departments have strict requirements, regardless of your AP scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I graduate early from Harvard with AP credit?

Yes, if you qualify for Advanced Standing with 4 or more AP scores of 5. However, Harvard notes that most students choose not to graduate early because they value the whole four-year experience.

Do Ivy League schools accept AP credit?

Each Ivy League university has its own policy. Harvard's approach is actually more restrictive than that of some other Ivy League schools.

Can AP scores help with course registration at Harvard?

Absolutely. Strong AP scores can help you register for higher-level courses right from your first semester, bypassing prerequisites.

How do I apply for Advanced Standing?

If you meet the requirements (4 or more AP 5s), you can apply for Advanced Standing during your first year at Harvard. Talk to your academic advisor to start the application process.

Should I still take AP exams if Harvard doesn't give credit?

Yes! Even if you don’t get traditional credit, AP scores can beef up your application. Making good scores shows that you are ready for university-level work. It also shows you are dedicated to learning.

Final Thoughts

Harvard might not offer college credit for AP exams, but your AP scores still count for a lot. Good scores can help you skip intro classes, move into higher-level courses, or even qualify for special programs.

That said, don’t expect your APs to majorly lighten your workload. Instead, think of them as opportunities that give you more choices and open new doors.

It’s also important to check Harvard’s most up-to-date AP policies before making plans—rules can change, and you’ll want the latest info.

Finally, remember that AP scores are only one part of your application. They show that you’ve challenged yourself academically, but Harvard also looks for a well-rounded student who’s ready to succeed in a tough academic environment.

If you are planning on attending Harvard and want to get started on your AP courses, let Save My Exams help! We have tons of resources to help you succeed in AP coursework like past papers, exam-style questions, and study notes. 

Sources

Harvard and AP Scores (opens in a new tab)

College Board & Sending Scores (opens in a new tab)

College Board Account Login (opens in a new tab)