What YOU Need to Know about AP and CLEP

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Currently, some of the most common questions I am fielding relate to college admission and credit by exam, particularly, AP/CLEP testing.

What will colleges accept?

Do all universities accept CLEP?

Will all universities take AP scores for credit?

How does a college look upon CLEP?

I speak to rooms full of parents--living rooms conversations to packed convention halls--considering and navigating a home education journey for their middle and high school young adults. When I speak, I remind parents

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to most high school-related questions.

As much we’d like there to be a pat answer to this question, there isn’t. Yes, there are some straightforward generalities, aspects common for college-bound learners; for example, how many high school English credits colleges require. However, when it comes to other facets of admission, like AP and CLEP credits, what’s best for an applicant will vary. Not all universities have the same requirements and not all learners have the same intended major or educational strengths. Like other questions asked by parents of high schoolers, the credit by exam question brings the common answer, “That depends!”

Don't assume.

  • Some universities are hiring admissions counselors designated to serve home educated students; for example, Bryan College. Those folks are there for you. When there’s interest in a particular college, read the information on the school’s site and then reach out to the staff and ask your questions. Advanced research demonstrates initiative, especially if that interest and inquiry is made by the student. A Dean of Admissions told me student-led research and inquiry is preferred by most colleges and they often track contacts.

  • Keep a running list of questions and then tailor those to the college of interest. Having a template may help your learner process what he or she may want to ask, especially when it comes to the finer details like credit by exam.

  • Early research indicates student interest and allows a family to plan well. HOWEVER, though we may do our best to gather information, we must also remember each high schooler will move along the preparation timeline at a different pace. Don’t panic if a course of study isn’t known or if a learner remains indecisive about whether to go away for college or stay close. Time is a gift. Offer that gift and provide support. It matters.

Locating specific requirements for specific exams—AP, CLEP, Dantes, and others—takes time and isn’t always easy. Breathe and scroll down. I’ve provided some stepping stones for you—links to credit by exam requirement pages. As you research, read through the list of exams and scores, carefully. Not every school will accept every exam. In addition, there may be a limit on the amount of credits which will be awarded. If your student's college of interest is not listed below, try 

  • typing CLEP/AP or credit by exam in the search box of the college website.

  • contacting the homeschool admissions coordinator.

Direct links to information relevant to AP and CLEP are included if they were available. Some links include all accepted credit by exam options. These links are guides. Be sure to bookmark those of interest and continue research based on the unique needs and major of your high school learner. The time could save you unnecessary test preparation and fees.

Agnus Scott College, Decatur, GA (AP only at the time of post)

Amherst College, Amherst, MA

Appalachian State, Boone, NC (CLEP policy)

Baylor, Waco, TX

Bentley University, Waltham, MA (AP) (no CLEP accepted)

Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME (AP)

Bradley University, Peoria, IL (CLEP)

Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Brown University, Providence, RI

Bryan College, Dayton, TN (CLEP and AP on page 64)

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA (CLEP) (AP)

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH

Central Methodist, Fayette, MO (CLEP) (AP)

Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC (CLEP) (AP)

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Columbia University, New  York

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Emory, Atlanta, GA (No CLEP)

Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

Flager College, St. Augustine, FL (AP)

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL (AP, not CLEP)

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL (CLEP) (AP)

Florida International University, Miami, FL (CLEP) (AP)

Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL (CLEP) (AP)

Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL (CLEP) (AP)

Furman University, Greenville, SC (AP, not CLEP)

Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC

Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

Houghton College, Houghton, NY (CLEP) (AP)

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN (CLEP) (AP)

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (AP, not CLEP)

John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (AP)

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

LeTourneau University, Longview, TX

Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA (CLEP)

Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Mercer University, Macon, GA (CLEP) (AP)

Messiah College, Grantham, PA (CLEP) (AP)

Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC (CLEP)

New College, Sarasota, FL

Northeastern University, Portsmith, NH

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Ohio University, Athens, OH (CLEP) (AP)

Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA (CLEP) (AP)

Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, VA (AP, no CLEP)

Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, FL

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA (AP)

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (CLEP) (AP)

Reed College, Portland, OR (AP, not CLEP)

Rice University, Houston, TX (AP, not CLEP)

Rollins College, Winter Park, FL (AP)

St. Olaf, Northfield, MN (AP)

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah and Atlanta, GA (AP) (CLEP)

Smith College, Northampton, MA (AP)

SMU- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX (AP, limited CLEP)

Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA

Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Stetson University, Deland, FL (AP)

Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (AP, limited CLEP)

Taylor University, Upland, IN

Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (AP 2019-2020)

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (AP) (CLEP)

University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (AP)

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (AP) (CLEP)

University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH (AP) (CLEP)

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL (AP) (CLEP)

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (AP) (CLEP)

University of RIchmond, Richmond, VA

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL (AP) (CLEP)

Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA (AP) (CLEP)

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Washington and Lee, Lexington, VA (AP)

Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL (AP, not CLEP)

Yale University (No AP or CLEP)

College and University Admission Requirements for Home Education Grads

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I speak to rooms full of parents--living rooms conversations to packed convention halls--considering and navigating a home education journey for their middle and high school young adults. Most often we talk about specifics and how-tos. At some point in the presentation, usually during a Q&A session, I am asked to address specific admission requirements.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question.

The answer to the question varies per institution and the status of the student applying—home education, private school, or transfer student.

Home educated in our state means enrolled in the Home Education Program with the county of residence. Those students are defined as home education students (homeschooling) and will apply to colleges as home educated, non-traditional, or non-accredited graduates. The terms used for the admission status varies college to college.

In our state if the student chooses to enroll in a private school for classes once, twice, or three or more times a week--or as a place of record--that student is considered a private school student and will apply to colleges as a private school graduate. Some colleges and universities require private schools to be accredited, by the state or by a regional accrediting agency. This is important to note as not all accreditation is considered equal by some universities.

Generally colleges welcome home educated students with unique educational and extra-curricular experiences and varied community service opportunities, but it is always wise to check on the admission requirements of particular schools of interest.

Don't assume.

  • Some universities are hiring admissions counselors designated to serve home educated students. After reading online admission requirements, make contact with the counselor. Advanced research and knowledge demonstrates interest and initiative, especially if the contact and inquiries are made by the student.

  • A running list of questions may be helpful. Help your learner process what he or she may want to ask.

  • Early research allows parents and students to plan well. Gain the knowledge you need (but don’t panic if your learner doesn’t quite know what he or she wants to study or where he or she wants to attend—there’s time)!

Locating specific requirements for home educated applicants takes time. This is why I include and update links to admission requirement pages as I find them. If your student's college of interest is not listed below, try 

  • typing "homeschool" or "home education" in the search box of the college website.

  • searching "homeschool coordinator" in the search box of the college website.

  • contacting the homeschool admissions coordinator. Colleges and universities are hiring personnel to help their home-educated applicants.

  • looking for homeschool admission requirements under the heading "non-traditional". Home education is considered a non-traditional method of education by many universities.

Direct links to information relevant to home-educated applicants are included as available. These links are a guide. Be sure to continue research based on the unique needs of your high school learner.

Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA

Amherst College, Amherst, MA

Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Appalachian State, Boone, NC

Arizona State University, Phoenix Area, AZ

Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, FL

Barnard College - Columbia University, New York, NY

Berry College, Mount Berry, GA

Bellhaven University, Jackson, MS

Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, NC

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME

Bradley University, Peoria, IL

Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Brown University, Providence, RI

Bryan College, Dayton, TN

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI

Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH

Central Methodist, Fayette, MO

Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC

Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH

Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CA

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Columbia University, New  York

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA

Davidson College, Davidson, NC

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Emmanuel College, Franklin Springs, GA

Emory, Atlanta, GA

Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

Flager College, St. Augustine, FL

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL (click on Academic Core Units and Homeschool/Non-traditional)

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL (click Units tab for specific courses)

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL

Florida International University, Miami, FL

Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL

Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH

Furman University, Greenville, SC

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC

Grove City College, Grove City, PA

Guilford College, Greensboro, NC

Harvard College, Cambridge, MA

Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

Houghton College, Houghton, NY

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

LeTourneau University, Longview, TX

        Home School Endowed Scholarship - Le Tourneau

Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Mercer University, Macon, GA

Messiah College, Grantham, PA

Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC

Montreat College, Montreat, NC

New College, Sarasota, FL

New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM

North Carolina Wesleyan, Rocky Mount, NC (see page 15 of the college catalog) 

Northeastern University, Portsmith, NH

Oberlin College and Conservatory, Oblerin, OH

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Ohio University, Athens, OH

Olgethorpe University, Atlanta, GA

Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, VA

Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, FL

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN

Reed College, Portland, OR

Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI

Rice University, Houston, TX

Rollins College, Winter Park, FL

St. Olaf, Northfield, MN

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah and Atlanta, GA

*SCAD admission required documents

Smith College, Northampton, MA

SMU- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX

Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA

St. Johns College, Annapolis MD and Santa Fe, NM

Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Stetson University, Deland, FL

Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University School of Architecture, Syracuse, NY 

Taylor University, Upland, IN

Tennessee State, Nashville, TN

Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

University of RIchmond, Richmond, VA

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL


University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL

Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL

Yale University

You can Celebrate High School and it can encompass More than Credits!

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I do not receive any compensation for inclusions on this list. It is completely random--I add to the list as I research and work with families. This list is not intended as endorsement or advertisement; simply as a helpful tool to aid and encourage. 

This list grows and grows. Check back for new additions. 

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The BIG Comparison: Planning Courses for Admission and Beyond

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Yesterday found my high schooler and I at the computer—for two hours!

It’s mid-sophomore year and she knows what she wants to study. With that in mind, she’s building what I call her BIG Comparison List (more details included in Chapter 6 of Celebrate High School: Finish with Excellence). This comparison allows the parent and student to plan a high school path—courses and content—with the student, admission requirements, testing, and major in mind.

“Colleges and universities often offer an admissions page specifically for homeschooled applicants.”
— Cheryl Bastian, Celebrate HIgh School

Research high school courses required for admission. Home educated students intending to go to college—and even those who are remotely considering it—benefit from researching and anticipating admission requirements of their top college choices. This is helpful no matter what type of entity the student plans to attend: public, private, academy, non-competitive, or highly selective. I keep a running list of links to admission pages for home educated graduates here.

While sitting together, my daughter and I visited the home education admission page for each school on her Big Comparison List (so far). What we discovered was interesting!

What will be required of her for admission to her choices thus far isn’t anything like our other four graduates.

High school is not one-size-fits-all.

Based on what we learned, our current high schooler’s path is looking quite different than her siblings!

Research tests and scores required for admission. Aside from the transcript, test scores can be the most unnerving requirement for college admission. Parents (and sometimes high schoolers) voice this concern when I meet with them. As a parent of past, current, and upcoming high schoolers, I understand!

While my daughter and I were poking around on the admission requirement pages, we found the SAT/ACT test scores expected for applicants. We were also curious about PERT and CLEP scores for one of her college choices. We noted and compared the scores, college to college. Unlike our other graduates, we see a real advantage of both PERT and CLEP for this high schooler.

Check college General Education courses required for the degree. Having studied General Education requirements for many degrees and many universities, there are some common denominators in what is required across degrees. Freshman Composition and Speech Communication are fairly standard for most schools and degrees. There are exceptions, of course. Aside from composition and speech, required General Education courses vary per school and per degree. For example, AS degrees are considered terminal. The goal is to get the student needed knowledge to enter a specific workforce. I order to take the needed career-specific courses, the number of required General Education credits is reduced. Not all colleges and degrees require the same courses or number of General Education credits for graduation. This is why research is important.

Check college course requirements for the college major. Just as the courses and credits vary for the General Education requirements, so do the major requirements. In other words, the major course requirements for a BA in Anthropology at one university will likely vary from the courses required for the same degree at another college. Again, this is why research is essential.

Comparing the General Education courses for my daughter’s intended major at her top college choices (at this time), we discovered none of the colleges require College Algebra (as was the case with all my other graduates for their degrees). In fact, every college my daughter has on her list stated MGF1106 as the General Education math required. Upon further investigation, we discovered CLEP offers a College Mathematics exam. BINGO! She could study for and take CLEP College Mathematics and if she scores high enough, use that test score to earn the General Education math credit she will need. It was also encouraging to know every school she is considering accepts CLEP (this is not always the case—another reason to research).

For us, for right now, what we discovered is a WIN-WIN, worth every bit of the two hours it took to research.

What WIN-WINs are awaiting your high school learners?

Transferring AP, Dual Enrollment, and CLEP Credits

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Accelerated credit—earning early college credit while in high school—is often referred to as advanced credit or credit exemption. The most common accelerated learning options include dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment allows learners to earn high school and college credits simultaneously, before graduating from high school. Although dual enrollment can be a great option, it is not the best option for all learners.

Credit Exemption Options

Credit exemption by means of testing is another acceleration mechanism. Examples include AP and CLEP.  Parents and students should be aware that colleges and universities adopt institution specific guidelines for accepting accelerated credit by exam and often post test score and course exemptions on their websites. Knowing what will and will not be accepted can save time and money. 

  • Advanced Placement (AP) equates to college credit if the student takes the corresponding AP exam and scores well. Acceptable scores and the college credit earned with those scores varies from university to university. For example, Stetson University offers a chart stating scores, credits earned, and courses which may be substituted for the earned scores. 
  • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is sponsored by the College Board. Though some colleges and universities accept all CLEP exam credits--there are 33 tests available--others have specific guidelines as to which exams they will honor. Again, it is helpful to search a university's website to find out the details. 

To find out whether a learner's college of choice accepts dual enrollment, AP, or CLEP, search for a universitiy's transfer of credits statement on the school's website. Most universities devote a whole page to transfer of credit guidelines with links specific to their campus. 

This list may help get you started in your quest. 

Bellhaven University

Clemson University - AP

Florida State University

Georgia State University - AP

Georgia State University - CLEP

Harvard College

Iowa State - AP

Iowa State - CLEP

Kansas State

Kansas University - AP

Kennesaw State University

Louisiana State university

Miami-Dade College - AP

Miami-Dade - CLEP

Miami University of Ohio

Michigan State University

Millersville University -AP

Penn State University - CLEP

Purdue University - AP

Purdue University - CLEP

Rollins College

Seton Hall University

Stetson University

Texas A&M - CLEP

Thomas Edison State University

University of Alabama

University of Florida - AP 

University of Florida - Credit by Examination

University of Florida - Transfer Statement

University of Kentucky - CLEP

University of Maryland - CLEP

University of Massachusetts - CLEP

University of Minnesota - CLEP

University of Montana - CLEP

University of Nebraska - CLEP

University of North Florida

University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma - CLEP

University of Tennessee

Wheaton College

Wofford College - AP

Looking for the home education admission requirements for colleges and universities? Check out this blog post. 

Just one more reason why

EVERY. MOMENT. MATTERS. 

even in the high school years!

This blog post is intended to offer an example of personal experience. It is in no way intended to be legal advice and should not be taken as such. Parents own the sole responsibility for the training and education of their children.