Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

Acceptance Policy: AP Credit

If you completed AP examinations (with a score of 4 or 5) and entered Rice, credit will be assigned to your record as indicated on the appropriate list on AP Credit Lists for Current and Previous Years. AP credit will be applied to a student's record in accordance with the AP List for that student's matriculation year.

The equivalent Rice courses will appear on your Rice transcript and fulfill all requirements satisfied by those courses, including distribution credit if applicable.

Receiving AP Credit

In order to receive AP credit, you will need to request that an official AP grade report be sent directly from the College Board to Rice University. The College Board code for Rice is 6609.

AP Credit FAQs

How can I determine the Rice course credit that will be awarded for AP exams completed with a score of 4 or 5?

You will need to check AP Lists for Current and Previous Years. Please note that these lists are updated for each academic year. If you will be attending Rice in the future, be sure to check the list for the academic year of your matriculation. Typically, the new list will be posted during the summer prior to the applicable academic year.

What if my AP credit does not show up when I log onto ESTHER and view my Rice unofficial transcript?

Check with the College Board to be sure your official scores were sent to Rice, and please allow ample time for the credit to be posted. If you took AP exams during multiple years or if you took the exams three or more years ago, you might find it necessary to verify that all of your scores were sent to Rice. You must also allow at least 6 weeks for us to receive the scores from the College Board.

Students should also check with the College Board that their social security number is listed as part of their personal data in the AP file. The lack of a social security number on the official score report can delay or even hinder the processing of AP scores for transfer credit.

How long should I expect to wait for AP credit to show up on my academic record?

Generally, once you order the scores from the College Board, you should allow 6 to 8 weeks. Peak periods may require a longer turnaround time.

I'm not sure I will need my AP credit. Could I have the scores sent to Rice later?

Even if you think you will not need your AP credit, you should have the scores sent to Rice during your first semester.

Will I be able to register for classes even if my AP credit has not yet been posted?

Yes. Your advisor, however, will want to see a copy of your AP scores. You can anticipate specific course credit as indicated on the appropriate list in AP Lists for Current and Previous Years

Students should be aware that until their AP credits have been articulated to their Rice transcript, they may not be able to register online for some courses that require a prerequisite. In those instances, the student will need to obtain the instructor's approval signature via a Special Registration Form and submit that form to the Office of the Registrar.

What will happen if I take courses at Rice which are equivalent to the AP course credit I received?

Both your AP credit and your Rice enrollment will appear on your transcript, but the AP credit will be excluded from your earned hours. You cannot, for instance, retain AP credit for PHYS 141 and complete Rice enrollment in PHYS 101, PHYS 111, or PHYS 125. The Physics department considers these courses equivalent and does not allow "repeated" credit. If you receive AP credit for the PHYSICS B exam (PHYS 141 and 142), and then take PHYS 101 at Rice, your credit in PHYS 141 will be excluded after you receive a final grade for PHYS 101.

What is the maximum amount of AP credit that can be awarded?

Currently, Rice does not limit the amount of AP credit that can be awarded. However, this policy could change in the future. Be sure to check the AP policies for the year of your matriculation at Rice.

Does Rice offer credit for any international exam programs?

Credit will be considered on a case by case basis for A-Levels, Abitur, CAPE, the French Baccalauréat, and similar exams. Students must provide the Office of the Registrar with an official certificate for review. Please allow 4-6 weeks for evaluation of these certificates. If approved, credits will be awarded in the same manner as AP credit. Please refer to the A-Level Exam Credit section for more information.

Does AP credit for English satisfy the Composition Examination (CE) requirement?

No. All students must take the Composition Examination (CE), even if they receive AP credit for English.

Does Rice accept CLEP credit?

No. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit is not accepted at Rice University.

If I took a Credit by Exam (CBE) at another college/university and obtained credit for a course, will that course (credit) transfer to Rice?

No. Only courses taken at other universities are eligible for transfer credit, provided they meet all transfer criteria.

AP Credit Lists for Current and Previous Years