AP/IB Credit Policy

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

Each year over 90-percent of the University's incoming freshmen receive advanced placement credit. Northwestern acknowledges the educational value of AP courses by granting credit and/or placement as indicated at the link below. In some fields, primarily the sciences and foreign languages, advanced placement and/or credit can be earned through appropriate performance on examinations administered by Northwestern departments, usually during New Student Week.

International Baccalaureate (IB) and University Entrance Examinations of Other Countries

Results of higher level International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations are evaluated for possible award of academic credit. The link below details the credit awarded at Northwestern for frequently submitted IB results. Northwestern may also award credit for distinguished performance on the British General Certificate of Education (A-Level) examinations, the Abitur, and the university entrance examinations of other countries.

Policies awarding credit can vary by school or enrollment. Please review the credit transfer policy for the school of intended enrollment using the links below:

• Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
• McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• School of Communication (PDF)
• Medill School of Journalism
• Bienen School of Music
• School of Education and Social Policy (PDF)