Does UC Berkeley grant credit for a score of 3 on AP exams?
I'm in the process of figuring out my college options and UC Berkeley is pretty high on my list. I've taken quite a few AP exams, but on a couple of them (like AP Biology and AP Statistics), I got a 3 instead of a 4 or 5.
I'm trying to find out whether Berkeley actually accepts a 3 for credit or placement, or if that's only for 4s and 5s. If they don't, does this mean I'd have to retake general eds for those subjects if I get in? Also, could a 3 still look decent on my application, or should I try to hide those scores?
Anyone know how this actually works for different AP subjects and how flexible Berkeley is about AP credits? Any help would be appreciated, especially from current students or recent admits!
I'm trying to find out whether Berkeley actually accepts a 3 for credit or placement, or if that's only for 4s and 5s. If they don't, does this mean I'd have to retake general eds for those subjects if I get in? Also, could a 3 still look decent on my application, or should I try to hide those scores?
Anyone know how this actually works for different AP subjects and how flexible Berkeley is about AP credits? Any help would be appreciated, especially from current students or recent admits!
2 weeks ago
•
12 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is actually pretty strict about which AP exam scores they will grant credit for. In most cases, you need to earn at least a 4 or a 5 to get college credit or placement at Berkeley, though there are a few exceptions depending on the subject.
For example, for AP Biology and AP Statistics specifically (which you mentioned), UC Berkeley does not grant course credit for a score of 3. For AP Biology, you need at least a 4 for any credit or placement; a 3 won't satisfy any requirements, so you would likely need to take the relevant introductory courses if you decide to pursue something in those areas. The same goes for AP Statistics—credit is awarded for a 4 or 5, but not for a 3.
If you received a 3, you won’t be able to skip the intro course or get unit credit in most cases (though you should always check Berkeley’s official AP credit chart, since policies can change and a few subjects have exceptions).
A score of 3 is still considered a passing score by the College Board, but in the context of an application to Berkeley, AP exam scores are only one factor. If you have stronger grades in the relevant classes or did other challenging work, that will also matter. It’s up to you whether to report a 3 on your application—UCs are generally test-blind for admissions, but you can self-report AP scores if you feel they strengthen your profile. A 3 probably isn’t something to hide, but it’s also not likely to boost your application the way a 4 or 5 would.
For example, a student who got a 3 on AP Biology might decide not to report it if their transcript already shows As in advanced science courses, but might report it if it’s their only AP Science score. Ultimately, if the rest of your application is strong, a 3 isn’t going to make or break your chances.
The key takeaway: at UC Berkeley, a 3 is usually not enough for credit or placement, so plan as if you’ll need to take those intro courses. But one or two 3s among other strong scores doesn’t hurt your application much, especially if your courses and other achievements show your strengths.
For example, for AP Biology and AP Statistics specifically (which you mentioned), UC Berkeley does not grant course credit for a score of 3. For AP Biology, you need at least a 4 for any credit or placement; a 3 won't satisfy any requirements, so you would likely need to take the relevant introductory courses if you decide to pursue something in those areas. The same goes for AP Statistics—credit is awarded for a 4 or 5, but not for a 3.
If you received a 3, you won’t be able to skip the intro course or get unit credit in most cases (though you should always check Berkeley’s official AP credit chart, since policies can change and a few subjects have exceptions).
A score of 3 is still considered a passing score by the College Board, but in the context of an application to Berkeley, AP exam scores are only one factor. If you have stronger grades in the relevant classes or did other challenging work, that will also matter. It’s up to you whether to report a 3 on your application—UCs are generally test-blind for admissions, but you can self-report AP scores if you feel they strengthen your profile. A 3 probably isn’t something to hide, but it’s also not likely to boost your application the way a 4 or 5 would.
For example, a student who got a 3 on AP Biology might decide not to report it if their transcript already shows As in advanced science courses, but might report it if it’s their only AP Science score. Ultimately, if the rest of your application is strong, a 3 isn’t going to make or break your chances.
The key takeaway: at UC Berkeley, a 3 is usually not enough for credit or placement, so plan as if you’ll need to take those intro courses. But one or two 3s among other strong scores doesn’t hurt your application much, especially if your courses and other achievements show your strengths.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years