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Harvard University

3.5%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

How Much Do APs Matter at Harvard University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Harvard University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Harvard University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Harvard University officially says matters in admission decisions.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Talent Ability	Very Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Best AP Classes to Take for Harvard University

Based on Harvard University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Social Sciences (32% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP Government
AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

For Biological Sciences (11% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Mathematics/Statistics (11% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science A

For Computer Science (9% of students)

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus BC

For History (8% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP World History
AP European History

AP Strategy for Harvard University Applicants

Take as many APs as you can handle well

At a school this selective, 7-12 AP courses is typical for admitted students. Quality matters more than quantity.

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

Harvard University AP Credit FAQs

Does Harvard University accept AP credit?

Yes — Harvard University grants college credit for qualifying AP exam scores. Given Harvard University's 3.5% acceptance rate, its AP credit policy is restrictive: expect scores of 4 or 5 — and 5s only in many subjects to earn credit. Specific cutoffs vary by department — check Harvard University's registrar for the official table.

What AP score does Harvard University require for credit?

At Harvard University, most departments require scores of 4 or 5 — and 5s only in many subjects for credit. STEM subjects (Calculus BC, Physics C, Chemistry, Biology) tend to require the highest scores; humanities subjects are sometimes more lenient. Languages and AP Statistics are usually accepted at 3+.

How many AP credits can I transfer to Harvard University?

Harvard University typically caps total AP credit at 16-24 (capped well below one year). Even if you score 5 on 10 APs, the credit policy will limit how much actually counts toward your degree — though high scores still help with course placement and GE exemptions.

Do AP courses help me get into Harvard University?

Yes — AP courses improve your application by signaling academic rigor. Harvard University's admissions evaluates 'rigor of secondary school record' as a factor. AP scores themselves are usually not required for admission, but scores of 4-5 strengthen the application alongside transcript rigor.