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. Students may be assigned to an advanced level course in mathematics or physics based on their AP scores.
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 UN1121 |
| Biology | 5 | 3 | No exemption |
| Chemistry | 4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3 6 |
Requires completion of CHEM UN1604 with grade of C or better Requires completion of CHEM UN3045-UN3046 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 UN1105 (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 |
4 4 |
Exemption from POLS UN1201. Exemption from POLS UN1501. |
| 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 |
|
|
Physics
C-E&M C-MECH Physics B |
4 or 5 4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3 3 3 |
Requires beginning with PHYS UN2801 and earning grade of C or better Requires beginning with PHYS UN2801 and earning grade of C or better No exemption |
|
Spanish
Language Literature |
4 or 5 4 or 5 |
3 3 |
|