You can earn acceleration credit in a subject either because you did well on Advanced Placement tests or because you did advanced work at Yale, but not both ways. If you have two acceleration credits in English on the basis of your Advanced Placement test score, you do not earn any more by taking ENGL 125. Yale does not grant sophomore status to any entering freshmen. There are two reasons for this acceleration policy. First, most courses are open to qualified freshmen, so there is no typical freshman program.
Freshmen take courses at varying levels depending on interest and preparation.
This policy helps you make an informed decision about acceleration once you know Yale's resources and have a clearer view of your capacities and your academic and personal goals. The rules governing the use of acceleration credits, explained in the Academic Regulations, chapter III of the YCPS, are complex, and exceptions are not allowed. You cannot use acceleration credits to reduce the number of courses you take if you enroll for eight terms. The eligibility requirements for petitioning during various terms are outlined below. In order to accelerate by one term in the third term of enrollment, you must have earned at least eight Yale course credits and have at least four acceleration credits.