All questions regarding AP/CLEP/CBT/SAT/DANTES/DSST/IB should be referred to MARS (979-845-0532).

What AP grades do I need for credit? Click here

The following is as we understand it, which is not very well. MARS is the defining authority on the way AP credit actually works, and they should be contacted for questions on the subject.

Advanced Placement

In general you should accept AP or any other kind of credit, especially if it will substitute for something on your degree plan. However, if at graduation you have more than 3 extra hours listed on your transcript it will probably prevent you from the $1000 rebate. You can, however, go back and deny acceptance of AP credit at any time before graduation. Be sure and do this in a timely manner. Why? Click here.

Advanced Placement in Political Science, Physics, English, Chemistry, History, etc. 

OUR ADVICE: ACCEPT AP credit for these courses. Do not retake these courses at A&M.

AP credit is usually a good indicator of how much you know in these courses, or possibly in what depth the material in these courses will impact your future classes.

Advanced Placement in Math

OUR ADVICE: ACCEPT AP credit for the highest-level math course for which you have AP credit, but still register for the highest-level math class for which you have credit and take it again at A&M.

AP credit does not seem to be a good indicator of how much you know in these MATH courses. It is very rare that a student who has AP credit in MATH 151 can go straight to MATH 152 as their first math class and pass it.

For example:  If you have AP credit for Calculus I and Calculus II, we strongly advise that you immediately accept AP credit both courses, but retake Calculus II (MATH 152) at A&M. If this is bad advice, the result is that you will be bored all semester and get an A in the class, which also means you will get 12 grade points for later use.
 
A PROBLEM: If you do not first accept AP credit for a class, and then you take the class and don't make a C or better, you MUST retake the class. You will not be permitted to later go back and accept the AP credit. Thus, by accepting AP credit for the class before taking it, you at least retain credit for the class.

However, if you have accepted AP credit for MATH 151, then take it again here and get a D in it, and you then take the AP credit for it and try to move on to the next math class, you're crazy. Your chance of passing the next math class would be essentially zero.

Who to contact to accept/decline AP Credit

Call MARS (979-845-0532) to accept or decline AP credit. You can accept or decline credit at any time before graduation, except as stated above.

How do I get credit for my AP courses and "credits by exam" (CBE, CLEP)?

You must "claim" those hours by contacting Measurement and Research Services (MARS) at 845-0532. Be prepared to give your name and student ID number. In some cases, you may be required to go to their office in person.