In late summer Northwestern posts AP and IB credit to the academic records of entering students. Students may view their AP and IB credit by accessing their academic records using CAESAR. Credits earned through AP and IB testing count in different ways toward different requirements. If you plan on continuing study in a field in which you have received AP or IB credit, consult our list of suggested next courses based on your test scores.
AP Credits and Distribution Requirements
AP Credits and Total Credits/Quarters needed for Graduation
AP English Credits
AP Foreign Language Credits
AP Exams and NU Placement Exams
AP Credits and Distribution Requirements
The AP/IB credit table to see what credit is granted for different scores on these tests and whether that credit can be applied toward your WCAS distribution requirements. A maximum of two of the twelve courses you count toward your distribution requirements can be credits you earned through AP or IB testing. Each of these must be in a different distribution requirement area. (NOTE: Students who entered before Fall 2006 can count up to six AP or IB credits toward the distribution requirements.)
AP Credits and Total Credits/Quarters needed for Graduation
Northwestern’s Undergraduate Residence Requirement (URR) limits the counting of AP and IB credits toward the total number of quarters needed for graduation.
If you earn AP or IB credit for a specific course (e.g., Econ 201) and then subsequently decide to take that course at Northwestern, you will lose the AP or IB credit; it will no longer count toward the minimum of 45 courses needed for a Weinberg College degree, nor toward Northwestern’s URR. The AP notation will remain on your transcript, but it will be listed as bearing 0 credit.
AP credit in English will not exempt you from any part of your Freshman Seminars, Distribution Requirements, or Writing Proficiency Requirement.
AP credit in a Foreign Language can be used to demonstrate Foreign Language Proficiency in some languages, or for placement in a course beyond the beginning level. Consult the language proficiency chart for the scores required to demonstrate proficiency. If you score below the determined level, you will receive information during the summer letting you know what course you should start with, or you might need to take a placement exam. Information is also generally available from the individual language departments at Northwestern and through the New Student Week webpage, which is posted each summer. You can also find information on language placement through the website for the Council on Language Instruction.
AP Exams and NU Placement Exams
If you took an AP or IB exam and wish during New Student Week to take a Northwestern placement exam in the same field, you are free to do so. If you perform well enough on the placement exam, you can earn placement and, in some cases, credit that you were not able to earn through the AP or IB Program.
