AP Credit at Dartmouth College
Credit on entrance policy, placement rules, and graduation restrictions for AP at Dartmouth.
Last updated: · Based on Dartmouth's published policies
Dartmouth's AP credit policy changed significantly in 2014, and the result is that AP scores are far less valuable at Dartmouth than at most other schools. While Dartmouth still acknowledges AP performance through "credit on entrance" notations on your transcript, these credits do not reduce your graduation requirements. Every student must complete 35 Dartmouth credits to graduate, regardless of how many AP exams they took. The main benefit of AP scores at Dartmouth is placement — skipping introductory courses to start at a higher level.
AP Score Requirements at Dartmouth
Most AP exams require a score of 4 or 5 for credit on entrance at Dartmouth. Some exams require a 5:
| AP Exam | Score Required | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Calculus BC | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Biology | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Chemistry | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Physics 1 | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP English Language | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP US History | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Psychology | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Computer Science A | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
| AP Statistics | 4-5 | Credit on entrance; course exemption |
Economics Micro requires a score of 5 for credit on entrance. Check Dartmouth's exemption charts for the complete list of score requirements by subject.
Placement vs. Credit at Dartmouth
AP scores at Dartmouth serve primarily as placement tools. Credit on entrance appears on your transcript but carries no weight toward graduation. The real value is course exemption — being allowed to skip introductory courses and enroll in more advanced sections. This can help you explore more electives, reach upper-level courses in your major faster, or pursue additional interests during your four years at Dartmouth.
Maximum Credits and Restrictions
Since AP credits do not count toward Dartmouth's 35-credit graduation requirement, there is no practical cap that matters. The credits show on your transcript for reference but have no effect on your graduation timeline. All students must complete 35 Dartmouth credits. The policy change in Fall 2014 effectively eliminated the ability to use AP scores to graduate early or reduce course loads.
How to Send AP Scores to Dartmouth
Send your official AP scores to Dartmouth through College Board using institution code 3351. Scores must be sent directly from College Board. Even though AP credits do not count toward graduation, sending scores is still important for course placement during orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dartmouth accept AP credit?
Dartmouth grants "credit on entrance" for AP scores of 4 or 5, which appears on your transcript. However, since Fall 2014, these credits do not count toward the 35 credits required for graduation. AP scores can still provide exemption from introductory courses and placement into advanced courses.
What AP score do you need for Dartmouth?
Dartmouth requires scores of 4 or 5 for credit on entrance and course exemption. Some exams, such as Economics Micro, require a score of 5. Common qualifying exams include Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, Statistics, and Physics C.
Can you graduate early from Dartmouth with AP credit?
No. Since Fall 2014, credit on entrance from AP exams does not count toward Dartmouth's 35-credit graduation requirement. All students must complete 35 Dartmouth credits regardless of their AP scores. The credits appear on your transcript but do not reduce your time at Dartmouth.
AP credit policies are based on publicly available information from Dartmouth's registrar as of early 2026. Policies may change at any time. Always verify directly with Dartmouth's registrar for the most current requirements. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dartmouth College or College Board.