CAMPUS · STONY BROOK, NY · PUBLIC

Stony Brook University

49.0%

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

How Much Do APs Matter at Stony Brook University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

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

What Stony Brook University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Stony Brook 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	Important
Application Essay	Important
Recommendation	Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Considered
Character Personal Qualities	Considered
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Not Considered
Interview	Not Considered
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Best AP Classes to Take for Stony Brook University

Based on Stony Brook 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 Health Professions (13% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Psychology

For Psychology (13% of students)

AP Psychology
AP Statistics
AP Biology

For Social Sciences (11% of students)

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

AP Strategy for Stony Brook University Applicants

3-5 strong AP courses is solid

Stony Brook 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.

Stony Brook University AP Credit FAQs

Does Stony Brook University accept AP credit?

Yes — Stony Brook University grants college credit for qualifying AP exam scores. Given Stony Brook University's 49.0% acceptance rate, its AP credit policy is moderate: expect scores of 3-4 in most subjects, with 4s preferred for STEM to earn credit. Specific cutoffs vary by department — check Stony Brook University's registrar for the official table.

What AP score does Stony Brook University require for credit?

At Stony Brook University, most departments require scores of 3-4 in most subjects, with 4s preferred for STEM 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 Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University typically caps total AP credit at 24-30 (most of 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 Stony Brook University?

Yes — AP courses improve your application by signaling academic rigor. Stony Brook 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.