AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) Credit Policy

A maximum of 32 units is granted under either the A.P. or the I.B. program, or in combination. Test results must be sent directly to USC from the testing agency. Once we receive them, they will be added to your Transfer Credit Report.

AP Credits:

You receive 4 elective units for each score of 4 or higher. For exams taken in spring 2008 or earlier, credit is awarded for scores of 3 or higher, except for Computer Science.

General Education credits can be earned with a score of 4 or higher on the following exams:

  • GE Category I: Art History and European History
  • GE Category III: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
  • Three-semester Foreign Language requirement:
    Any foreign language AP exam (except Latin).

I.B. Credits:

Six (6) elective units apiece are earned for scores of five (5) or above on high-level exams;
or
Twenty (20) elective units if you earn the I.B. diploma with a score of 30 or higher. General Education credit is available for some history and science exams.

Please visit www.usc.edu/articulation for more information.

College Courses Taken During High School

USC accepts a maximum of 16 elective units, included in the 32-unit combined maximum for AP/IB credits. These courses must be taught by college faculty on a college campus, appear on your transcript as part of the regular college curriculum and must not be applied to your high school diploma. They can fulfill General Education categories I, II, III or V. They cannot fulfill the Writing, Diversity or Foreign Language requirements nor receive equivalence to USC courses.