ali153

I am a little confused regarding Princeton's policy about AP courses. It appears like some classes, ie Calc and most science APs, give credit and allow for placement into a higher class. However, some subjects, like history, have absolutely no impact? But other classes, like English, offer advanced standing?

What exactly is advanced standing? Are there any advantages? Is it a disadvantage to not have advanced standing (in a subject you are interested in)?

Thanks! I'm just trying to understand how AP tests affect undergraduate life at Princeton (and how much effort I should put in cramming for these tests )

JoeTrumpet

Advanced standing is used if you want to graduate in 3 years or 3 and a half years. It allows you to enter the university as, for instance, a sophomore. You have to have a considerable amount of credit for this, as Princeton prefers if you stay for four years. And, seriously, you're going to Princeton: why WOULDN'T you want to stay for four years?

ali153

thanks, joe I have no idea why someone would wanna leave early!

so basically, there's no disadvantage to not having advanced standing? and ther e are no advantages either (besides graduating early?)

JoeTrumpet

That's what I've gathered from the little undergraduate experience book they sent me and the physics department at the school. Maybe there is something else I missed, so I guess wait for another opinion, but I've never heard of advanced standing as anything other than a method of early graduation. Your AP credits will still be used for placement regardless of whether or not you use them for advanced standing.

Princeton - About Advanced Placement and Advanced Standing This should help!

ali153

thanks! that explained everything!

singermom1

It might help free up some time to explore other areas.