CAMPUS · SWARTHMORE, PA · PRIVATE

Swarthmore College

6.9%

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

How Much Do APs Matter at Swarthmore College?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Swarthmore College. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Swarthmore College Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Swarthmore College officially says matters in admission decisions.

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

Best AP Classes to Take for Swarthmore College

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

For Social Sciences (24% of students)

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

For Computer Science (13% of students)

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus BC

For Biological Sciences (9% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Mathematics/Statistics (9% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science A

For Engineering (6% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Chemistry

AP Strategy for Swarthmore College 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.

Swarthmore College AP Credit FAQs

Does Swarthmore College accept AP credit?

Yes — Swarthmore College grants college credit for qualifying AP exam scores. Given Swarthmore College's 6.9% 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 Swarthmore College's registrar for the official table.

What AP score does Swarthmore College require for credit?

At Swarthmore College, 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 Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College 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 Swarthmore College?

Yes — AP courses improve your application by signaling academic rigor. Swarthmore College'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.