CLEP/AP/IB/College Credit FAQ
As a student in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (APDesign), 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 required courses at K-State, 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, IB (International Baccalaureate) exams, or a course(s) at an accredited university or community college.
The four required courses we recommed taking are:
College Algebra
Expository Writing I
Expository Writing II
Public Speaking
Additional course work taken might be used as elective requirements. For more information contact Director of Student Recruitment at myapd@k-state.edu or 785-532-1994.
The following are some frequently asked question/answers about CLEP, AP, IB and transfer course work.
- What is CLEP?
- CLEP is an opportunity for you to receive credit for previous work. APDesign will accept the CLEP College Algebra test to complete the College Algebra requirement.
- The Test
- The CLEP is a computer-based test that will examine your knowledge of algebraic concepts. Find a local test center at the CLEP website, http://www.collegeboard.com/clep. 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 include the grade as part of your K-State GPA or only use the credit for the College Algebra requirement without using the grade. 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.
- Why should I take the CLEP?
- Students able to pass the CLEP usually find the College Algebra course 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; passing the CLEP will free up much needed time during the first semester while you adjust to college life and the demands of 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. 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 complete in high school. There is a six-month wait to retake the exam if you do not pass. You can wait and take this exam after receiving AP Calculus test results.
- 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 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?
- You should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) forward an official report of your scores to the Office of Admissions at Kansas State University.
- 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 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?
- You must take the test to earn credit unless you are earning college credit through an accredited university or community college.
- What score do I need to earn credit?
- You can learn more about AP scores and what grade the score equals at K-State by calling the Office of Admissions at (800) 432-8270 or visit www.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/advanced
- 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 APDesign. Having AP credit will free up much needed time at K-State.
- What is International Baccalaureate?
- International Baccalaureate subject test is one way to earn college credit by examination. These exams are given in high schools by International Baccalaureate.
- What Score do I need to earn credit?
- You can learn more about IB scores and what grade the score equals at K-State by calling the Office of Admissions at (800) 432-8270 or visiting www.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/advanced
- How do I request my scores?
- You must forward an official report of scores to the Office of Admissions. You can request your scores at www.ibo.org/iba/transcripts/index.cfm.
- What is dual or concurrent credit?
- Dual or concurrent 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?
- Ask your high school counselor for more information about dual or concurrent credit courses offered at your high school.
- How do I get credit at K-State for dual or concurrent 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.
- My high school does not offer dual or concurrent credit. Can I still take college level work before entering K-State?
- Yes, if you have the opportunity to take course work at an accredited 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.
- 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 APDesign. This is not always bad; the credits will accumulate, giving you the opportunity to enroll earlier in future semesters and have better parking if you live in the residence halls.
- 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, IB and CLEP give you the option of including the grade in your K-State GPA.
- How do I know if a particular course (for example Speech) 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