CLEP/AP/College Credit FAQ

As a student in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design, you will be investing a great deal of time in your course work. By taking certain courses in high school, you may be able to take fewer K-State required courses, thereby “decreasing” your semester course load.

There are four required courses at K-State. You can obtain credit by taking the CLEP (College Level Exam Program), AP (Advance Placement) exams, or a course(s) at another university or community college.

The four required courses at K-State are:
College Algebra or Calculus
Expository Writing I
Expository Writing II
Public Speaking

The following are some frequently asked question/answers about CLEP, AP and transfer course work.

What is CLEP?
CLEP is an opportunity for you to receive credit for previous work. The College of Architecture, Planning, and Design will accept the CLEP College Algebra test to complete the Math 100/ College Algebra requirement.
The TEST
The CLEP is a computer-based test that will examine your knowledge of algebraic concepts. You will need to find a local test center and schedule a time to take the test. CLEP costs considerably less than taking three credit hours of College Algebra at Kansas State University. You will have immediate test results.
How do I get credit?
First, you must score 50 or higher on the test to receive credit. Second, you must have your CLEP score forwarded to Kansas State University. You will be able to choose to take the grade or just credit for the exam. Our suggestion is to take the grade if it is an “A” and take credit for a “B” or “C.” You can make this decision once you are on campus in the fall.
Should I take the CLEP?
You should consider taking the CLEP if you have completed four years of high school mathematics and/or AP Calculus, or have an ACT math score of 25 or higher, or have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Why should I take the CLEP?
Students able to pass the CLEP usually find the College Algebra course boring and repetitive. This can lead to poor performance in the course due to lack of motivation. CLEP is less expensive than taking College Algebra at K-State. The College of Architecture, Planning, and Design requires a very rigorous course schedule; taking the CLEP will free up much needed time during the first semester while you are adjusting to college life and studio.
When should I take the CLEP?
The CLEP can be taken anytime. We suggest you complete the test prior to June Orientation and Enrollment to eliminate the need to enroll in College Algebra. Yes, you can take the CLEP before, during or after your senior year of high school. We suggest taking it after you have completed the highest level of algebra you plan to take in high school. There is a six-month wait to retake the exam if you do not pass.
Which test do I take?
College Algebra, NOT College Algebra/Trigonometry
More information - test locations - prep tests?
Visit www.collegeboard.com/clep to find a test location near you and check out the prep test for College Algebra. It is also possible to order test preparation material on-line. We suggest downloading the single test preparation for College Algebra, especially if you are currently taking Calculus. You can also contact CLEP by calling (800) 257-9558 or by email: clep@info.collegeboard.org
What is AP?
The Advance Placement test is one way to earn college credit by examination. These tests are given by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in May of the junior or senior year in high schools offering advanced placement courses.
How does K-State know my test score?
Students should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) forward an official report of their scores to the Office of Admissions at Kansas State University in order to receive credit.
What if I did not have ETS send my scores to K-State?

You must have ETS forward a copy of your scores to the K-State Director of Admissions. To order reports, you must provide ETS with the year the Advanced Placement exam was taken, subject of the exam, your birthdate or social security number, and the $13 fee.

Requests should be sent to Advanced Placement Program, P.O. Box 6671, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6671, (609) 771-7300. The code for K-State is 6334.

Can I get credit for AP classes without taking the test?
No, you must take the test to earn credit.
What score do I need to earn credit?
You can learn more about scores on AP and what grade the
score means at K-State by calling the Office of Admissions at
(800) 432-8270 or visit www.ksu.edu/admit/requirements.html
Why should I take AP courses?
An AP course will be challenging and have expectations that are similar to a college course, which is excellent preparation for being a student in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design. Having AP credit will free up time. It also helps you adjust to life on campus and the rigors of the College schedule.
What is dual credit?
Dual credit means that you are able to earn high school and college credit (through a university or community college) for course work taken in high school.
How do I know if my school offers dual credit?
You need to ask your high school counselor for more information about dual credit courses offered at your high school.
What dual credit courses does CAPD suggest?
The curriculum in CAPD is very intense and structured. You will not have as much time to take elective course work as a student majoring in a different degree at K-State. For this reason, we suggest pursuing one or more of the following courses: College Algebra or Calculus, Expository Writing I, Expository Writing II and Public Speaking. These courses will apply directly to the equivalent required K-State courses that are part of the CAPD curriculum.
How do I get credit at K-State for dual credit courses?
You need to request a transcript to be sent from the university or community college offering the college credit to The Office of Admissions, 119 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506,
(800) 432-8270.
My high school does not offer dual credit. Can I still take college level work before entering K-State?
Yes, if you have the opportunity to take course work at a community college or university, you can ask for a transcript from that institution be sent to The Office of Admissions, 119 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, (800) 432-8270.
What if I take a course other than the four courses that are recommended?
The credit might transfer to K-State, but it might not count toward your degree requirements in CAPD. This is not always bad; the credits will accumulate, giving you the opportunity to enroll earlier and have better parking if you live in the residence halls. It could also help if you pursue a minor or secondary major.
Will the grades that I transfer to K-State from a community college or university be calculated as part of my K-State GPA?
No, only AP and CLEP give you the option of using the grade toward your K-State GPA.
How do I know if a particular course (for example English) I take at another university or community college will count at K-State?
You can call the Office of Admissions at (800) 432-8270 or visit the transfer equivalency site at: www.ksu.edu/admit/tran_info.html