Entering with College Credits

Many students enter UConn with academic credits earned through the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP), the UConn Early College Experience Program (ECE), the International Baccalaureate Program (IB), and/or transfer credits from other institutions of higher education.

Entering UConn with advanced credits can allow extra flexibility for study abroad, double majors, dual degrees, or other enriching experiences. If you did not enter with college credits, do not worry. You will still be able to take advantage of these opportunities through proper planning. Seek information from the start by talking to your advisor(s), reviewing web resources, and contacting program offices.

Credits are evaluated using rules that vary by the type of advanced credits with which you enter. If credit is awarded, some types will factor grades into your UConn GPA while other types will not impact your GPA at all. Be sure to discuss with your advisor how these credits might apply to your degree. It is also important to note that AP, ECE, IB, and transfer credits will not count towards Honors credits.

Advanced Placement (AP) credits

  • Are evaluated after students request the College Board send their AP scores to UConn
  • Are granted through AP test scores completed during high school
  • Are generally awarded for test scores of 4 and 5 (review guidelines on the Admissions website.)
  • May be used to fulfill general education requirements, serve as prerequisites for other courses, or count as major credit (upon approval and depending on your major)
  • Do not contribute to your undergraduate GPA

For more information on AP credits, contact the Admissions office, your advisor, or the College Board.

Early College Experience (ECE) credits

  • Are available through certain Connecticut high schools that substitute UConn courses, taught by certified teachers,  for regular high school coursework
  • May be used to fulfill general education requirements, serve as prerequisites for other courses, or count as major credit (upon approval and depending on your major)
  • Will contribute to your overall UConn GPA
  • Do not have to be applied toward your degree if you feel the grade may negatively affect your GPA. Decisions are made after matriculation to UConn (contact your advisor for the rules for your school or college)

For more information on ECE course and credits, talk to your advisor or contact the ECE office.

International Baccalaureate (IB) credits

  • Are evaluated after students request that the International Baccalaureate Organization send official IB transcripts to UConn
  • Are granted through IB higher level test scores completed during high school and are considered if you have earned the IB Diploma
  • Are generally awarded for test scores of 5, 6, and 7 (review guidelines on the Admissions website)
  • May be used to fulfill general education requirements or serve as prerequisites for other courses (depending on your major)
  • Do not contribute to your undergraduate GPA

For more information on IB credits, contact the Admissions office, your advisor, or the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Transfer credits

  • Are granted for courses taken at other institutions of higher education
  • Are evaluated by the Transfer Admissions office to determine what, if any, credit will be granted (review the transfer course equivalencies database for transferable courses from Connecticut institutions; call Transfer Admissions for questions about credit from institutions outside the state of Connecticut)
  • May be used to fulfill general education requirements, serve as prerequisites for other courses, or count as major credit (upon approval and depending on your major)
  • Do not contribute to your UConn GPA

For more information on transfer credits, talk to your advisor or contact Admissions.