AP Students
AP Students Excel Here
We know you are going places, and the U of A is going to get you there. As a top-tiered research-based institution, we provide the kind of academically-focused environment in which AP students can thrive. From undergraduate research opportunities, to honors and certificate programs, to co-ops and internships, you can pursue your academic interests and discover a new passion here!
Hear from one of our current U of A students who participated in the Advanced Placement program!
We Recognize your Hard Work
We recognize your achievements in taking an academically rigorous program, and we want to see you continue your studies here.
Advanced Standing
If you achieve a final AP grade of 4 or higher, you can receive advanced standing and bypass certain courses by one of the following means:
- Transfer credit - university‑level credit for AP work completed in high school, meaning you will have the option not to take that course in university.
- Advanced placement - allows you to register in a senior‑level course without taking the junior‑level course first.
- Credit by Special Assessment (CSA) - enables you to challenge a university course for credit by writing a special exam. This is administered directly through the faculties; please contact your faculty for more information.
AP Capstone Extra Credit
We are proud to recognize the AP Capstone Program with three additional credits granted to students who successfully complete the full AP Capstone Diploma. We grant 3 credits at the 100-level to students who successfully complete the Capstone Diploma (which includes their AP Seminar, AP Research, and at least four other AP courses in which students have written the final exam).
Ready for Research
Many AP students like to dive right into research opportunities — while still in high school. The Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (FURCA) invites AP students to present their research work, network with U of A students who are involved in exciting research across all disciplines on campus, and receive constructive feedback. Find out more about AP events here.
Start with a Scholarship
The U of A administers over $34 million in undergraduate financial support every year. Historically, more than half of eligible AP students receive a scholarship offer.
Enriched Scholar Scholarship: As an AP student, you may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 as recognition for your achievements in an academically rigorous program.
Admission for AP Students
Dual-admission advantage
If you are completing AP exams in conjunction with your high school curriculum, we will use the higher of either your AP score or high school grade for admission. For example, if you present both AP English and English 30-1, we will use the higher of the two English grades when calculating your admission average required for your program. You are not at a disadvantage for choosing to write an AP exam!
Alberta High School Equivalences
See the AP equivalency chart for more information on which AP high school courses may be used on your application for admission.
AP Grade Conversion Scale
To calculate your admissions average using AP results, we will convert your scores into percentages:
| AP Result | AP Equivalent |
| 5 | 96% |
| 4 | 86% |
| 3 | 76% |
| 2 | 65% |
| 1 | Not accepted for admission |