AP Credit at Brown University
Placement notation policy, qualifying exams, and graduation requirements for AP at Brown.
Last updated: · Based on Brown's published policies
Brown's AP credit policy is one of the most restrictive among major universities. The open curriculum that Brown is famous for does not extend to AP credit — students cannot use AP scores to reduce their graduation requirements. Instead, Brown offers "placement notations" for qualifying scores, which allow you to skip introductory courses and enroll in more advanced coursework. But you still need to complete 30 full Brown courses to graduate, regardless of how many AP exams you aced in high school.
AP Score Requirements at Brown
Scores of 4 or 5 typically earn placement notation, but several popular AP exams receive nothing at all. Here is how common AP exams are treated:
| AP Exam | Score Required | Placement Notation |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP Calculus BC | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP Biology | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP Chemistry | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP Physics 1 | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP English Language | — | No placement or credit |
| AP US History | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP Psychology | — | No placement or credit |
| AP Computer Science A | 4-5 | Placement notation (0.0 credits) |
| AP Statistics | — | No placement or credit |
AP English, Statistics, Government, Music Theory, and Psychology receive no placement notation at Brown. For other exams, even a qualifying score only earns placement — not credit.
Placement vs. Credit at Brown
Brown offers placement only — there is no AP credit. A placement notation is equivalent to a Brown course on your transcript but carries 0.0 course credit. It allows you to skip that course and enroll directly in more advanced classes. Whether the notation satisfies your concentration (major) requirements depends on your specific concentration. Students must accept or decline notations by the end of their first semester registration period. Taking a more introductory Brown course forfeits the placement notation.
Maximum Credits and Restrictions
Since AP scores carry 0.0 credits, there is no credit cap — but there is no credit benefit either. All Brown students must complete 30 courses to graduate. AP placement notations do not reduce this requirement. The only benefit is the ability to skip introductory courses and dive into more advanced material sooner, which can be valuable if you want to explore more electives or reach upper-level courses in your concentration earlier.
How to Send AP Scores to Brown
Send your official AP scores to Brown through College Board using institution code 3094. Scores must be sent directly from College Board. Review Brown's specific policies for your intended concentration before deciding which scores to submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brown accept AP credit?
Brown does not award course credit for AP scores. Instead, qualifying scores (typically 4 or 5) earn a "placement notation" that carries 0.0 course credit. This allows you to skip introductory courses, but placement notations do not count toward Brown's 30-course graduation requirement.
What AP score do you need for Brown?
Brown typically requires scores of 4 or 5 for placement notation. Several AP exams receive no placement or credit at all, including English, Statistics, Government, Music Theory, and Psychology.
Can AP scores reduce your course load at Brown?
No. AP placement notations at Brown carry 0.0 course credit and do not count toward the 30 courses required for graduation. You still need to complete 30 full Brown courses regardless of your AP scores. The benefit is placement into more advanced courses, not a reduced course load.
AP credit policies are based on publicly available information from Brown's website as of early 2026. Policies may change at any time. Always verify directly with Brown's AP policy page for the most current requirements. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Brown University or College Board.