Credit by Examination

As an incoming Cornell student you may qualify for credit or course exemptions based on work you completed before starting your first semester at Cornell. This includes college credit completed while in high school, and Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test results.

The Cornell College Catalogue contains information about transfer and examination credits (see the sections Advanced Placement, and Credit by Examination listed under Academic Information). Prior to or during orientation, you will receive notification of the credit you have earned. It is important, therefore, that you arrange for test results, college transcripts, and similar documents to be sent to Cornell during the summer so that they can be evaluated prior to your arrival on campus. 

Advanced Placement for Cornell Credit

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

If you earned scores of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, you may be eligible for Cornell course credit or exemption. Use this chart to help you determine your placement, credits, and the courses from which you have been exempted. A score of 3 usually merits exemption, and scores of 4 or 5 usually entitle you to one or two course credits as indicated in the "Credit" column. Be sure to have an official AP Score Report sent to Cornell.

Oxford and Cambridge A-Level Examinations

If you have completed Oxford and Cambridge A-Level Examinations or their equivalents, be sure to have official results sent to Cornell.

International Baccalaureate

If you earned scores of 5 or higher on International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, we have provided a chart to help you determine your placement, credits, and core equivalencies from which you have been exempted.

If you qualify for advanced placement credit, you are exempt from the introductory-level Cornell course(s) in that subject and may take a higher-level course in that subject if your advisor approves. Note, however, that you will lose your credit by examination or transfer credit if you take the same or a similar course at Cornell. If you are in doubt, meet with your advisor to discuss whether you have already completed a similar course.

Cornell placement exams and exemptions

Prior to orientation, students take online placement examinations for foreign languages, and examinations for credit in calculus and an optional placement in chemistry. In addition, when you and your advisor meet during orientation, they will have a copy of your math placement recommendation. This recommendation, from the Cornell Mathematics Department, will assist you in selecting the math course most appropriate for you.