DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · EAST LANSING, MI · PUBLIC

Michigan State University

Michigan State University
83.9%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

How Much Do APs Matter at Michigan State University?

50 AP Impact Score
AP Impact Score: 50/100

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

What Michigan State University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

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

FactorImportance
Academic Gpa Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record Very Important
Class Rank Important
Standardized Test Scores Important
Application Essay Important
Recommendation Considered
Extracurricular Activities Considered
Talent Ability Important
Character Personal Qualities Considered
First Generation Considered
Alumni Relation Considered
Interview Not Considered
Work Experience Considered
Volunteer Work Considered

Best AP Classes to Take for Michigan State University

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

For Biological Sciences (14% of students)
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Statistics
For Engineering (9% of students)
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • AP Physics C: E&M
  • AP Chemistry
For Social Sciences (9% of students)
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP Government
  • AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

AP Strategy for Michigan State University Applicants

3-5 strong AP courses is solid
Michigan State University values AP coursework as evidence of academic preparation. Focus on scoring well (4-5).
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.

Michigan State University AP Credit FAQs

Does Michigan State University accept AP credit?
Yes — Michigan State University grants college credit for qualifying AP exam scores. Given Michigan State University's 83.9% acceptance rate, its AP credit policy is standard: expect scores of 3 or higher to earn credit. Specific cutoffs vary by department — check Michigan State University's registrar for the official table.
What AP score does Michigan State University require for credit?
At Michigan State University, most departments require scores of 3 or higher 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 Michigan State University?
Michigan State University typically caps total AP credit at 30-32 (one full year of college). 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 Michigan State University?
Yes — AP courses improve your application by signaling academic rigor. Michigan State 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.
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More About Michigan State University

Michigan State University Acceptance Rate Michigan State University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Michigan State University Michigan State University Salary & ROI Michigan State University AP Credit Best Majors at Michigan State University Michigan State University Housing International at Michigan State University

Other Colleges in MI

University of Michigan
17.9% accept · Ann Arbor

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Michigan State University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.