Summer is on the horizon, and we're thinking about orientation! If you have taken (or plan on taking) AP or IB exams to earn credit toward degree requirements, there are some important things to keep in mind. Your CSE Academic Advising team has all the information you need to know.
If you have taken (or plan on taking) Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams to earn credit towards degree requirements, we have some important things for you to keep in mind prior to orientation.
All CSE majors are designed to be four-year programs and experiences: While coming in with AP or IB courses can be beneficial for satisfying academic requirements, students should still anticipate a four-year experience. This is due to many factors, including course sequencing within majors, and course offerings. While coming in with additional credit will not necessarily shorten your time to degree completion, it can make adding a minor, taking additional courses in subjects that interest you, doing research, or other opportunities more feasible. Be sure to discuss your options with your academic advisor.
Many students do not have their AP or IB scores by their orientation date: It is okay to come to come to orientation without them! When you meet with an advisor, you will discuss how you think you did, and use your best judgment to register for classes. Please be honest with your advisor, as that will help us recommend the best option for you. Once you receive your scores, you can adjust your schedule, if needed. It is strongly recommended that you contact your advisor about changes you plan to make, as they may have helpful insight as to your best course of action.
You may retake a course that you already earned AP or IB credit for: Choosing to utilize AP or IB scores to satisfy degree requirements is your personal choice. If you feel unsure about moving into more advanced coursework, it may make more sense to retake the course – it does not hurt to revisit the material to have a solid understanding of concepts. This is especially true for Math, Chemistry, and Physics, as they are the foundation for CSE majors. It is important to know that you cannot earn duplicate credit if you choose to retake a course, and you may not retroactively use your AP or IB credit to satisfy a course requirement if you do not pass the course if you choose to take it at the U. An advisor will work with you during orientation to discuss your options.
You will meet with your advisor to review your AP and IB scores (actual or anticipated) prior to registering: We understand that trying to choose courses might initially feel daunting. That is why you have a 30-minute one-on-one meeting with your academic advisor at orientation. We will review all of your AP and IB scores with you in order to help you make appropriate registration choices.
We encourage you to take a look at the following web pages to see how AP and IB exam scores translate to credit at the University of Minnesota. Please note that although you may receive credit for a score, it may be best to retake the course to make sure you have a strong skill set in that area (primarily technical courses). Of course, your advisor will be happy to explain and discuss this more in-depth during your orientation appointment, and help you select the best options for you.
• Advanced Placement
• International Baccalaureate
