Undergraduate Admissions
2305 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203-1727
615-322-2561 | 800-288-0432
admissions@vanderbilt.edu
Vanderbilt University Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions

How does Vanderbilt treat Advanced Placement (AP) exams? Are AP scores factored into admission decisions? What kind of advanced credit does Vanderbilt offer for these exams?

Vanderbilt strongly recommends that students take the AP exam for each high school AP course in which they enrolled.  However, this is not required, and AP results have no bearing on our admission decision–making.

Vanderbilt awards 3–8 hours of credit for each AP exam score of 3, 4, or 5.  A chart outlining the list of exams and credit given is available online.  A maximum of 18 hours can be earned by any combination of AP, IB, advanced international credit, and credit by exam that may count towards the minimum hours required for graduation.

In order to receive Vanderbilt credit, AP exam results must be officially sent from the College Board to Vanderbilt.  We will not grant credit for AP scores reported on high school transcripts or on student test reports.


  1. What is a credit hour?  How many credit hours does the average Vanderbilt student take during a semester?
  2. What majors are offered at Vanderbilt?
  3. What courses are offered at Vanderbilt?
  4. What should I major in at Vanderbilt?  When do I have to declare a major?
  5. Is it possible to double major?  How can I minor in a field?
  6. Is it easy to change majors or colleges at Vanderbilt?
  7. Where can I get information on pre–med, pre–law, or pre–business?
  8. What percentage of students graduate in four years?
  9. How does academic course advising work at Vanderbilt?
  10. How accessible are faculty?
  11. May I work with faculty on research projects?
  12. Does Vanderbilt offer study abroad?
  13. May students take classes at Vanderbilt during the summer?
  14. Will Vanderbilt award credit for Advanced Placement (AP) scores?
  15. How does Vanderbilt treat Advanced Placement (AP) exams? Are AP scores factored into admission decisions? What kind of advanced credit does Vanderbilt offer for these exams?
  16. Does Vanderbilt recognize and award credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) program?
  17. Does Vanderbilt require SAT II Subject Test scores?
  18. Will my credits from another college or university transfer to Vanderbilt?  Does Vanderbilt accept dual enrollment credit?
  19. What resources and facilities are available for academic assistance?
  20. I have a learning difference.  How can I find resources for assistance?
  21. What do Vanderbilt students do after they graduate?
  22. Is career counseling available to help with finding a job?
  23. What do Vanderbilt students do outside of the classroom?