An as of yet unpublished study by Harvard University and University of Virginia researchers conducted among 18,000 college students enrolled in introductory science classes has called into question the effectiveness of the College Board’s Advanced Placement program in preparing students for college-level course work, a report that Boston University administrators say is relative in terms of comparing AP courses in high school to college courses.

The survey showed that students who had taken AP science courses and scored a five on the exam took the adjacent college introductory course and averaged a grade of 90, and students who took non-AP high school honors courses averaged a grade of 82.

At BU, advanced credit is awarded to students for course equivalents for different scores according to each test.

BU spokesman Colin Riley said while the university does not limit the amount of credit students can enter with, there is a practical cap for each student because AP courses are limited in high schools.

“It’s not to say it’s exactly equivalent,” he said. “You might still want to master the material under a BU faculty member.”

While not a requirement for admissions, advanced credit offers flexibility in planning a dual concentration, a BU collaborative Degree Program, a combined BA/MA or BS/MS program and early graduation.

Students said credit earned from AP exams does not always equal was is taught in class.

“My high school teacher was the hardest teacher I’ve ever had,” College of General Studies sophomore Ashley Slade said. “I do not want to take the class at BU over again.”

Slade said there is a clear distinction between the same class offered in high school as opposed to at a university.

“Taking AP classes in high school is difficult because you spend more time in the classroom than you do in college,” she said. “It’s more difficult to manage your time.”

Some students said AP tests are not an accurate demonstration of fully understanding the material a class presents.

“I worked really hard all year in some AP classes,” School of Management sophomore Andrew Gold said, “and still just didn’t do well on the test.”

Gold said taking AP classes were necessary to get into college, regardless of the test score.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t know the material,” he said. “In college, you at least get more than one chance to prove yourself.”