When considering advanced coursework in high school, students often wonder if it’s better to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses or participate in dual enrollment programs and take classes at a nearby college. But better for what and whom? Your goals are going to be unique to those of other students, so you need to ask yourself what do you want from these courses: A competitive edge in college admission? Transferable college credit? Preparation for college-level coursework? Before you can decide which program fits you best, you need to know why you are taking advanced coursework, then you can choose the programs and courses that align with these goals.
Gain a competitive edge in admission
Many students hope to impress admission officers at selective colleges and universities with their advanced academic efforts. And while students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework are desirable candidates for admission, it’s important to remember that you will be evaluated within the context of your environment. When you apply for admission to a university, your high school counselor will most likely send a school profile that outlines your high school curriculum in detail. This document shares demographic information, graduation requirements, and advanced course offerings available at your high school. College admission officers will then consider your application within that context.
Learn how admission officers evaluate you
College admission officers won’t expect you to take AP classes if your school doesn’t offer them! Alternatively, they’ll be impressed if you seek out dual enrollment options to challenge yourself. A good rule of thumb is to take advantage of your high school offerings first before seeking out dual enrollment or other advanced coursework outside of your school. If your high school does offer numerous AP classes, admission officers might overlook an application with few completed advanced courses when many were available.
If you want to take a mix of AP and pre-college classes, opt for courses that extend the knowledge gleaned from classes at your high school. For example, if you have already taken AP Calc and want to go above and beyond in math, go ahead and sign up for an advanced math class via dual enrollment.
Related: What's the Difference Between AP and Dual Enrollment Classes?
Earn pre-college transfer credits
As families calculate college expenses and create a budget, the idea of getting a head start on college credits can be appealing to save money. However, rules for credit transferability are not as straightforward as you might think. Remember, AP classes don’t provide transferable college credit—good scores on AP exams do. Each university creates its own policies about what scores will earn you credit. At some colleges, scoring 3 or above on any test will lead to credit. At more selective schools, you may need to earn a 5 or some AP subjects may not be eligible for credit at all. Research your universities of interest to learn more about their transfer credit policies on their websites.
Compare AP vs. dual enrollment credit
You might be thinking that earned college credits through dual enrollment are more likely to be accepted at your new school than AP scores, given that transfer students move credits between colleges all the time. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Credits earned via dual enrollment are often treated differently. For example, some schools will only accept these credits if those college classes weren’t used to satisfy high school graduation requirements. Some colleges simply won’t accept any credits earned before high school graduation. Still others say “College is college” and will transfer every credit you’ve ever earned regardless of if it’s AP or dual enrollment. Again, be sure to research these policies at every college on your list!
Related: New College Students: Don't Forget to Claim Your Earned Credits!
Prepare for college through experience
Advanced coursework isn’t just about creating impressive transcripts and rushing through your degree. The day-to-day experience of participating in advanced classes is valuable in preparing for the whole college experience as well. Depending on the program you choose, your level of college environment experience and familiarity will vary.
Advanced high school
The Advanced Placement program has been around for decades. Both high schools and colleges know exactly what the AP curriculum looks like and what levels of mastery are indicated by AP test scores. It’s predictable, and maybe that’s what you seek. In some ways, an AP class is just like any other high school class, just a little more challenging. The main distinguishing feature of an AP class is the high-stakes test at the end of the year that leads to potential college credit. If you struggle with test anxiety, this may not be the experience you want.
Basically in college
If you choose to go the dual enrollment route, try to take classes in person on the college campus. This will give you a taste of college life and help you prepare for future campus experiences. Success in on-campus dual enrollment classes also demonstrates your ability to meet professors’ academic expectations. It’s important to note that even with attending on campus, dual enrollment may still feel more like regular high school than actual college—and that’s okay. You have plenty of time for the real deal.
College liteTM
If you’re looking for something in between these two options, dual enrollment comes in many flavors, and the value of the student experience depends on how you participate. However, planning classes around your high school schedule and arranging for transportation can be obstacles to taking courses on campus. Instead, some high schools coordinate with nearby colleges to offer classes right at your high school, taught by a visiting professor or qualified high school teacher. If such a program is unavailable at your school, consider taking online college classes, which may be easier to access and balance.
Related: AP vs. Dual Enrollment Courses: Which Are Better for You?
So which program is best for you? It depends! But this advice can help you narrow it down. You should evaluate your goals, research the options available through your high school, and discuss the possibilities with trusted adults who know you well. And who knows? Your best plan for advanced learning might be a combination of AP and dual enrollment, customized to help you achieve your academic goals.
Have you started building a list of colleges that will accept your AP and dual enrollment credits? Don’t wait any longer and use our College Search tool today!
