Step 1) Fill out the New Student Questionnaire

Step 2) Understand the term "liberal arts" and the umw degree requirements

Step 3) Understand AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and Cambridge Credit

Step 4) Understand Prerequisites & Vertically Building Coursework

Step 5) Consider Pre-Professional Interests

Step 6) Tips and other considerations when planning a schedule

Step 7) First-Year Seminar

Step 8) Choose Possible Courses

Step 9) Fill Out the Course Registration Request Form

Step 10) How to Register

Freshman Academic Planning Guide
spring 2009

Step 3) Understand AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and Cambridge Credit

Before you can decide what courses to take during your first semester at the University, you need to identify how your academic record prior to matriculation affects your degree requirements. Items that fall into this category include previously completed transfer (including dual enrollment) credit, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and certain standardized test scores that have been received at the University and incorporated into your UMW record.

You were provided with a transfer evaluation upon acceptance. Use that evaluation as you work through this Section of the Academic Planning Guide identifying your pre-matriculation credits and exemptions.

Your previous academic record affects you in two ways. First, it may entitle you to an exemption from a degree requirement; second, it may entitle you to transfer credit toward a degree requirement, based upon comparable academic work already completed.

EXEMPTIONS

Exemptions excuse students from particular degree requirements but do NOT accrue academic credit toward the 122 credits required for graduation. The University offers the following exemption from the Foreign Language Requirement:

1. Foreign Language Competence: Each student must demonstrate foreign language (ancient or modern) competence by successfully completing college course work through the 202 intermediate level of the foreign language (or by successfully completing an advanced-level foreign language course taught in the language). To qualify for an exemption, you must:
   
   • present an official score of at least 620 on an SAT subject test in a foreign language, or
     
   • submit pertinent documents which verify the student has been educated through high school in a language other than English or the student has lived extensively in and become fluent in the language of a non-English speaking country; demonstrating intermediate college-level (202) competency and successfully completing Writing Workshop (ENGL 101) or obtaining an exemption there from, or
     
   • achieve the required exemption score on the University's foreign language competency test

TRANSFER CREDIT

The University does award transfer credit (but the GPA is not calculated into the UMW GPA), which may be applied toward the 120 credits required for a degree. Transfer credit may be awarded for Advanced Placement examination scores, International Baccalaureate diplomas or examination scores, and comparable course work completed at other colleges and universities.

Official transcripts and examination scores for all pre-matriculation transfer work must be received by UMW no later than April 15, 2008 for students matriculating in spring 2009. No pre-matriculation transfer work will be considered after the April 15 deadline without permission from the Registrar.

1. Advanced Placement Credit: UMW academic credit is awarded for scores of 3 or higher on selected Advanced Placement examinations. Such credit is always applied toward the degree and, as specified, may also apply to General Education and/or major requirements. Refer to the University's current AP Transfer Credit Table to determine the particular course(s), General Education requirements, and the total number of degree credits to which you are entitled through your AP scores.
   
2. International Baccalaureate Credit: UMW academic credit is awarded for the completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma or for specific scores on higher level IB examinations. All IB credit awards will be provided to the student as part of the final credit evaluation, available during New Student Orientation Week. Refer to the University's current IB Transfer Credit Table to determine the particular course(s), General Education requirements, and the total number of degree credits to which you are entitled through your AP scores.
   
3. Transfer Credit from other Colleges & Universities (including dual enrollment): Transfer credit from accredited institutions is awarded for graded courses of the same type (liberal arts courses), on the same level, and under the same guidelines as University of Mary Washington courses. A grade of "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better must be earned for a course to be eligible for transfer credit. The Office of the Registrar will provide each student who has submitted transfer coursework with a Transfer Credit Evaluation, outlining the particular courses and number of credits approved for transfer.

CAMBRIDGE A-LEVEL EXAMINATIONS

Students may earn course credit for satisfactory scores, as determined by the University on the Cambridge A Level examinations. Credits awarded may count toward the major program or general education requirements. Students who have taken these exams should forward their scores to the University. Contact the Office of the Registrar for additional information.

NOTES:

1. AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, and transfer credits will be forfeited and removed from the record if the equivalent course or courses are completed at UMW or another institution.
   
2. AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, and transfer credits are counted as completed credits toward graduation, and thus affect all decisions regarding probation, suspension, and dismissal. A student may request the permanent deletion of AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, and/or transfer credits from his or her record at any time except when he or she is on academic suspension or after academic dismissal.