Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Credit in Economics

Advanced Placement (AP):
There are two separate AP exams in Economics, one in Microeconomics and one in Macroeconomics. Wellesley College awards one unit of credit for each AP exam on which a student receives a score of 5. Students can thus earn a maximum of two AP units in Economics. These units count as 2 units toward the 32 needed for the Wellesley degree, and allow students to place out of our Principles courses (Economics 101 and 102). AP credits do not count toward the 9 units in Economics needed for the Economics major. Students majoring in Economics and using AP credit to substitute for the Principles courses must take two elective courses (200 or 300 level) to fulfill the 9 unit requirement.

International Baccalaureate (IB):
The International Baccalaureate exam covers both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Students presenting a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level examination will receive 2 units of credit. These units count as 2 units toward the 32 needed for the Wellesley degree, and allow students to place out of our Principles courses (Economics 101 and 102). IB credits do not count toward the 9 units in Economics needed for the Economics major. Students majoring in Economics and using IB credit to substitute for the Principles courses must take two elective courses (200 or 300 level) to fulfill the 9 unit requirement.

Repeating Courses:
Many students may feel that, despite scores on the AP or IB exam that earn them Wellesley units, their high school background does not provide them with adequate preparation for the 200 level courses in the department. These students are encouraged to repeat one or both principles courses. Doing so will cause forfeiture of one unit of AP or IB credit for each course repeated, but we have found that the opportunity to review this material and see how economics is taught at the college level is quite important for many students. Students with questions about their preparation are encouraged to contact the department chair for advising.