Many high school students are thinking about how to start their college education early as they look to the future. Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses are two common choices, each with unique benefits and difficulties. But which option is better for students?
Dual credit courses allow high school students to accumulate college credits before graduating. A key advantage of dual credit is that students are guaranteed to receive the college credit provided they successfully complete the course. This experience gives them a firsthand look at college-level assignments and a valuable opportunity to earn credits that are likely to transfer to other colleges. Additionally, dual credit courses are often less stressful than AP classes, presenting a more achievable workload for students.
Another key advantage of dual credit is that it allows students to enroll in college early and start their higher education sooner. Hardworking students can even earn an associate’s degree before they graduate from high school, giving them a head start in their academic and professional careers.
College can be expensive and dual credit Precalculus Teacher Jesse Allen has some ways to counteract the costs, “Taking dual credit classes are a great way to not only reduce the amount of prerequisite courses students take in college, but it also saves them a lot of money, my precalculus class is 3 credit hours per semester which equates to roughly $400 dollars a credit.”
Despite the benefits of dual credit courses, there are some disadvantages to consider. One issue is that the credits typically apply only to local nearby colleges, which means they may not be accepted at institutions farther away. Moreover, if a student performs poorly in a dual credit course, it can harm both their high school and college grades. Failing the course might also affect their eligibility for financial aid when they apply to colleges. In addition, students who have not completed the Indiana College Core may encounter difficulties in transferring all their dual credit courses to other colleges.
On the other hand, Advanced Placement classes enable students to gain college credit by taking an exam at the end of the academic year. Unlike dual credit classes, AP classes require students to pass the exam to get college credit, however most AP exams allow students to skip introductory college courses, which will save them both time and money. Furthermore, many colleges widely accept AP credits, and the challenging curriculum of these classes equips students for the demands of college.
Additionally, AP courses enhance college applications by demonstrating a student’s capability to manage rigorous academic work. With a broader selection of topics accessible, students can enroll in AP classes ranging from calculus to psychology, offering a wide selection in student’s education.
Nevertheless, there are certain difficulties associated with AP courses too. To receive college credit, students need to achieve a high score on the AP exam, which may be challenging for some individuals. Additionally, colleges have the discretion to refuse AP credits, creating uncertainty for students regarding whether their efforts will be rewarded. On top of that, the demanding workload of AP classes can occasionally result in burnout, particularly for those students balancing several AP courses along with extracurricular commitments.
While some students may feel that failing the AP exam is the end of the world, Chemistry Teacher John Thompson disagrees, “Even if some students do not pass the AP exam, taking AP classes still provides students with benefits, such as, improving college applications by taking rigorous courses and developing study skills that will carry them through college.”
In the end, the choice between dual credit and AP courses relies on the specific goals and futures of each student. Dual credit ensures a reliable way to earn college credit, whereas AP courses offer a broader range of subjects and the possibility of bypassing certain college classes. Both pathways can assist students in getting an early start of their education, but each option presents its own advantages and disadvantages. Students should carefully consider these aspects to decide which choice aligns best with their academic objects and college aspirations.
