What happens if I fail a college class, but pass the AP test?

Question

Right now, I'm doing horrible in Calculus as an upcoming junior. When I return to high school, I'm going to take AP Calculus AB. So if I get a W or a D in Calculus at college, what happens if I pass the AP test?

Answer 1

I am not exactly sure what you mean, but I am assuming you're going to be a college junior as of this fall, and you're not doing too well for your basic mathematics requirements (calculus I and II) in college.

In this case, what you *might* be able to do is to pass Calculus BC (most schools award credit only for grades of 3 or above; check your school's policy for details), and submit the grade to your school office and request for your college calculus requirement to be waived. AB only gives you half a year's credit (usually calculus I), so BC, which is a more comprehensive exam, is a better option.

Don't worry too much about the BC. I myself took the exam after self-studying for it this May (I study in a country with an education system based on England's, so AP content's not covered here), and I got a 5 despite being stumped by half the questions in the FRQ section. Chances are you need only half to sixty percent of the marks on the BC exam to secure credit. So don't take the easier path and end up having to do Calculus II in college.

Best of luck!