Advanced Placement
Prior to entering Columbia, students may have taken Advanced Placement examinations through the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in a number of technical and nontechnical areas. Students may be assigned to an advanced-level course in mathematics, chemistry, or physics. A maximum of 16 points may be applied.
In the required pure science areas, the number of advanced placement academic credits awarded to students of engineering and applied science varies from the levels awarded for liberal arts programs, notably in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. The benefit of advanced placement is acceleration through certain First Year–Sophomore Program requirements and thus the opportunity of taking specialized courses earlier.
Each year the school reviews the CEEB advanced placement curriculum and makes determinations as to appropriate placements, credit, and/or exemption.
Advanced Placement Credit Chart
In order to receive AP credit, students must be in possession of appropriate transcripts or scores.
| Subject | AP Score | Advanced Placement Credit | Requirements or Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art history | 5 | 3* | No exemption from HUMA W1121 |
| Biology | 4 or 5 | 3 | No exemption |
| Chemistry | 4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3 6 |
Requires completion of CHEM C1604 with grade of C or better Requires completion of CHEM C3045-C3046 with grade of C or better |
| Computer Science A or AB | 4 or 5 | 3* | Exemption from COMS W1004 |
| English Language and composition Literature and composition |
5 5 |
3* 3* |
No exemption No exemption |
| Economics Micro and macro |
5 and 4 |
4* |
Exemption from ECON W1105 (Test must be in both with a score of 5 in one and at least 4 in the other) |
| French Language Literature |
4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3* 3* |
|
| German Language |
4 or 5 |
3* |
|
| Government and politics United States Comparative |
5 5 |
3* 3* |
|
| History European United States |
5 5 |
3* 3* |
|
| Italian language | 4 or 5 | 3* | |
| Latin literature | 5 | 3* | |
| Mathematics Calculus AB Calculus BC Calculus BC |
4 or 5 4 5 |
3** 3** 6 |
Requires completion of MATH V1102 with grade of C or better Requires completion of MATH V1102 with grade of C or better Requires completion of MATH V1201 (or V1207) with grade of C or better |
| Music theory | 5 | 3* | Exemption from MUSI V1002 MUSI V2318-V2319 determined by department |
| Physics C-E&M C-MECH Physics B |
4 or 5 4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3 3 3* |
Requires beginning with PHYS C2801 and earning grade of C or better Requires beginning with PHYS C2801 and earning grade of C or better No exemption |
| Spanish Language Literature |
4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3* 3* |
* Up to 3 AP credits may be applied toward minor requirements.
** SEAS students with a 4 or 5 on Calculus AB or a 4 on Calculus BC must begin with Calculus II.
If a SEAS student with these scores goes directly into Calculus III, he or she will not be awarded credit and may have to go back and complete Calculus II.
Students with A-level or IB Calculus credit must start with Calculus II.