[Students who entered Carleton with the Class of 2025 or earlier should consult archival copies of this policy.] 

Carleton awards credit for select pre-matriculation examinations from the College Board Advanced Placement, Higher Level International Baccalaureate, and British A-level Examinations (GCE). Specific articulation information about these exams can be found in the Academic Catalog. Carleton accepts a total of up to 18 pre- or post-matriculation credits from any combination of these examinations and from credits earned in college-level courses taken at other institutions; for the latter, see the Transfer of Credits policy.

Official scores must be requested by the student from the issuing agencies and sent directly to Carleton. 

Carleton grants pre-matriculation credit and exemption from certain requirements in the major to students who are able to demonstrate a sufficient level of mastery in a subject. Each department or program sets its own criteria for advanced placement. Students seeking advanced placement or exemption should check the Academic Catalog and contact the appropriate department/program for further information. Aside from the Language Requirement, none of the College’s liberal arts requirements may be satisfied through pre-matriculation examinations.