Are there colleges that don't accept a 3 on AP exams?

I've heard rumors that some colleges won't accept a score of 3 on AP exams for college credit. Is this true? And if so, which ones? It would definitely affect which schools I apply to.

Yes, it's true that not all colleges award credit for a score of 3 on AP Exams. This varies widely by institution and also by subject. For example, some schools may give credit for a 3 on AP Calculus, but not for AP Literature. Generally, more selective universities often require a score of 4 or 5 to grant credit, while less selective schools may be flexible and accept a 3.

You should look up the AP credit policy of each college on your list to see their specific requirements. This information is typically found on the college's official website under the registrar or admissions sections. Some schools provide detailed charts or tools where you can input your AP scores to see what credit, if any, you would receive. It's helpful to research this early, as it can indeed impact your decisions about where to apply, especially if you have a significant number of AP courses and are hoping to use them to satisfy college credits. Remember to also consider how important AP credit is in the context of your overall educational goals and the other attributes you are seeking in a college.

MIT and the University of California system, for example, require minimum scores of 4 or 5 for credit, while others like Arizona State University and University of Central Florida may award credit for scores of 3.