AP and IB Credit in Physics
It is not uncommon for students to enter William and Mary with AP or IB credits in physics. These credits will be transferred according to the general college policies.
An AP score of 5 or IB score of 6 or 7 (higher level) in both Physics 1 and Physics 2 is sufficient to receive credit for both algebra-based intro physics courses and labs, PHYS 107/PHYS 107L and PHYS 108/PHYS 108L.
An AP score of 5 or IB score of 6 or 7 (higher level) in Physics CM is sufficient to receive credit for the first calculus-based intro physics course and lab, PHYS 101/PHYS 101L.
An AP score of 5 or IB score of 6 or 7 (higher level) in Physics CEM is sufficient to receive credit for the second calculus-based intro physics course and lab, PHYS 102/PHYS 102L.
Students interested in pursuing physics major are strongly advised to take the Honors section of introductory courses (PHYS 101H and PHYS 102H). Designed for students with previous exposure to physics and calculus, these sections offer a more in-depth treatment of topics, and provide better preparation for the upper-level physics courses. Students with transferred AP/IB credit for PHYS 107 or PHYS 101 must drop their AP/IB credit before they can register for the PHYS 101H; similarly, students with transferred AP/IB credit for PHYS 108 or PHYS 102 must drop their AP/IB credit before they can register for the PHYS 102H. Such students, however, may choose to keep their transfer credits for the lab portion of the courses (PHYS 101L, PHYS 107L, PHYS 102L, PHYS 108L).
If you have questions, please speak with your faculty advisor, or contact the Physics department office.
For the complete list of requirements, consult the course catalog.
