Department of Mathematics===
NOTE FOR FALL 2021: Pandemic disruptions may have made AP/IPC scores unreliable. Students are urged to take the Calculus Self-Assessment corresponding to their credits to confirm their preparation.
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The following describe what course credit is earned for advanced placement tests. The course credit depends on your score, and helps determine your "starting point" for mathematics coursework at Duke.
Note, you must have your scores officially reported to Duke before the Registrar's Office can begin the process of giving you AP credits. Scores that you might have reported to the Admissions Office while applying for admission are not official and will not result in AP credits on your Duke record. See the Registrar's webpage for information on how to have your AP or international placement scores officially reported to Duke.
Keep in mind that several math courses have enforced calculus prerequisites, and AP credits must show on your Duke record in order to satisfy those prerequisites. Pending or anticipated AP credits, or alternative evidence of AP scores, are not viewed as equivalent and will neither satisfy these prerequisites nor allow you to get a permission number. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that credits for enforced prerequisite courses appear on your Duke record, in a timely manner, to allow you to enroll.
Credit Policy for the Math AB Advanced Placement Test
| YOUR SCORE | CREDIT OFFERED |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | None |
| 5 | MATH 21 Introductory Calculus I |
Credit Policy for the Math BC Advanced Placement Test
| YOUR SCORE | CREDIT OFFERED |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, or 3 | None |
| 4 | MATH 21 |
| 5 | MATH 21 Introductory Calculus I and MATH 22 Introductory Calculus II |
Placement for Students with AP Credit
You will find more information on the placement guidelines page. In particular some cases not covered below are discussed there. The guidelines below constitute a brief summary of placement as it relates to AP test results.
In general students with AP credit for a course should enroll in the next higher math course; however, our experience has shown that students have a much higher success rate in the advanced courses if they also meet minimum SAT and Achievement score recommendations. See also our Frequently Asked Question about AP.
- Students with AP credit for MATH 21, and who have an SAT or SAT-II score of least 710 (680 if taken before March 2016), should enroll in MATH 112L Introductory Calculus II or MATH 122L Introductory Calculus II with Applications. In making this choice the Typical Course Sequences page may help you decide.
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Students with AP credit for MATH 21 and MATH 22, and who have an SAT or SAT-II score of least 710 (680 if taken before March 2016), should look at the sophomore year options listed on the Typical Course Sequences page and also the discussions on the Placement Guidelines page. Students who are in this category and who are also interested in being a math major should read about MATH 222 Advanced Multivariable Calculus.
If you have some AP credits but are not sure of your preparation for your next math course, consider taking the appropriate one of our Self-Assessments.
Credit for Students Who Have Taken an International Entrance Exam
Requests for credit based on an internationally recognized entrance examination, such as the International Baccalaureate, the British A-level, the French Baccalaureate, and the German Arbitur, should be sent to the Registrar, whose office is in room 103 of the Allen Building. In general a student can receive up to two credits for one of these tests.
Requests for credit based on the IB test are the most common in mathematics. The following information is offered as a general guide for that particular test. These requirements must be met before Advanced Credit for IB work can be considered:
- The test must have been the "higher level" math test.
- The student must score at least 6 on the exam.
- The Registrar determines the credits awarded based on specifics of the curriculum you took, consulting the Mathematics Department if necessary to ascertain if the course covered the required material.
Questions?
We have posted frequently asked questions (FAQ's) related to AP credits. If you don't see your question answered there, you can send an email message to the Supervisor of First-Year Instruction.