This chart lists the credit and course equivalency awarded for CAPE exams taken prior to matriculation at Grinnell College.
Conditions:
- First-year, first-time freshmen are limited to a maximum of 24 pre- and post-matriculation credits (AP, IB, A-level, CAPE, college credits).
- All AP/IB/A-level/CAPE credits awarded are counted as divisional credit and are not subject to the 48 credit departmental limit.
- AP/IB/A-level/CAPE credits awarded count toward the 124 credits required for the degree.
- Where an equivalent course is listed below, the CAPE credits can be used to meet the prerequisite for another course.
- CAPE credits count toward the 32 or 34 credits required for a major only if the Notes column indicates “For major.”
- CAPE scores and corresponding credit will be cancelled upon successful completion (“D” grade or better) of any equivalent Grinnell course as listed below.
- Credit is awarded only from an official CAPE certificate.
| Exam Name | Minimum Score | Equivalent Course Credits Awarded | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | CAPE - II | 4 in Humanities Division (see note) | Not for major credit. The art department must review the portfolios of all students taking the exam. Credits are awarded only upon approval from the art department. |
| Chemistry | CAPE - II | 4 as CHM-129 | For major credit. |
| Economics | CAPE - II | 4 as ECN-111 | Not for major credit. |
| English - Literature | CAPE - II | 4 in Humanities Division | Not for major credit. |
| Environmental Studies | CAPE - II | 4 in Interdisciplinary Division | Not for major or concentration credit. |
| French Language | CAPE - II | 4 as FRN-101 | Not for major credit. |
| History | CAPE - II | 4 in Social Studies Division | Not for major credit. |
| Mathematics - Integrated | CAPE - II | 4 as MAT-124 or 131 | Not for major credit. |
| Mathematics - Pure | CAPE - II | 4 as MAT-124 or 131 | Not for major credit. |
| Physics I | CAPE - II | 4 in Science Division | Not for major credit. Does not satisfy any prerequisite. Credit for CAPE Physics I exam will be cancelled if student receives credit for AP Physics C - Mechanical, AP Physics I, IB Physics, A-Level Physics or PHY-131. |
| Physics II | CAPE - II | 4 in Science Division | Not for major credit. Does not satisfy any prerequisite. Credit for CAPE Physics II exam will be cancelled if student receives credit for AP Physics C- E & M, AP Physics 2 or PHY-132. |
| Sociology | CAPE - II | 4 as SOC-111 | For major credit. |
| Spanish | CAPE - II | 4 in Humanities Division | Not for major credit. |
Revised August 2024 — Departmental policies regarding acceptance of credit are subject to change.
2024–25 Advanced Placement Policy