AP Credit at University of Notre Dame
Score requirements, pre-health restrictions, and credit policies for AP exams at Notre Dame.
Last updated: · Based on Notre Dame's published policies
Notre Dame is relatively generous with AP credit among selective private universities, awarding credit for scores of 4 and 5 on most exams. However, there are important restrictions that limit the practical value of AP credit, particularly for pre-health and science majors. AP credits count toward your total graduation credits but generally cannot satisfy specific university, college, major, or minor requirements. Understanding these nuances is critical before deciding how to use your AP scores at Notre Dame.
AP Score Requirements at Notre Dame
Most exams require a 4 or 5, with higher scores often earning more credits. History exams require a 5, while language exams may accept lower scores:
| AP Exam | Score Required | Credits Earned |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 4-5 | 3-4 credits |
| AP Calculus BC | 4-5 | 4-8 credits |
| AP Biology | 4-5 | 3 credits (4) or 8 credits (5) |
| AP Chemistry | 4-5 | 3 credits (4) or 4 credits (5) |
| AP Physics 1 | 4-5 | Varies |
| AP English Language | 4-5 | Earns Writing and Rhetoric credit |
| AP US History | 5 | 3 credits |
| AP Psychology | 4-5 | 3 credits |
| AP Computer Science A | 4-5 | Varies |
| AP Statistics | 4-5 | 3 credits |
Note that History exams (European, US, World) require a score of 5 for only 3 credits. AP English Language with a 4 or 5 is one of the few exams that can satisfy a specific requirement (Writing and Rhetoric).
Placement vs. Credit at Notre Dame
AP credit at Notre Dame counts toward total graduation credits but has limited application to specific requirements. With a few exceptions (Writing and Rhetoric via AP English Language, some language requirements), AP credits do not satisfy university, college, major, or minor requirements. They function primarily as elective credits that count toward your total hours needed to graduate. AP scores can also be used for placement into more advanced courses.
Maximum Credits and Restrictions
The most important restriction at Notre Dame is for pre-health and life science students. Pre-health majors cannot use AP credit for biology, chemistry, or physics — these must be taken at Notre Dame. Psychology majors similarly cannot use AP credit for psychology. This is critical for students planning to apply to medical school, as Notre Dame requires its own science courses for pre-med preparation. There is no published cap on total AP credits.
How to Send AP Scores to Notre Dame
Send your official AP scores to Notre Dame through College Board using institution code 1723. Scores must be sent directly from College Board. Contact the Center for University Advising at Notre Dame for specific guidance on how your AP scores apply to your intended major and program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Notre Dame accept AP credit?
Yes, Notre Dame awards credit for AP scores of 4 and 5 on most exams. Some language exams accept scores as low as 2-3 for limited credit. AP credits count toward total graduation credits but generally do not satisfy university, college, major, or minor requirements.
Can pre-med students use AP credit at Notre Dame?
No. Life science and pre-health majors at Notre Dame cannot use AP credit for biology, chemistry, or physics courses. These must be taken at Notre Dame. Psychology majors also cannot use AP credit for psychology.
How many AP credits does Notre Dame accept?
Notre Dame does not publish an explicit cap on AP credits. Credits count toward total graduation hours. However, AP credits generally do not satisfy specific university, college, or major requirements, which limits their practical impact.
AP credit policies are based on publicly available information from Notre Dame's advising website as of early 2026. Policies may change at any time. Always verify directly with Notre Dame's advising page for the most current requirements. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Notre Dame or College Board.