AP or Dual Credit? Which is Right for You? FREE College Planning Map!

As high school students pick up class schedules this week, many are wondering about whether to enroll in accelerated placement (AP) or dual credit. 

As a college professor who has also taught AP research seminar, and having also been a scorer for AP exams, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. 

Here's an article from Western Kentucky University with a compare/contrast chart to help you decide which course is best for students: 

Full link: https://www.wku.edu/gifted/ap/ap-or-dual-credit.pdf 

There are several things to remember about dual credit:

1. college level course taught by mastered or doctorate level professor from the university

2. must have a C or better to earn credit; some high schools require only a D

3. will transfer to other private or public colleges 

4. college level materials and writing with APA/MLA/Chicago citations

Now, about AP placement:

1. taught by regular high school teacher

2. must pass AP exam to earn credit for course (2024 Results Here)

3. scores may/may not transfer to other colleges; private colleges typically will not accept AP as they are not college level courses taught by mastered and doctorate level professors; some public colleges will not accept due to not being rigorous enough

4. high school type writing/topics; academic APA/MLA/Chicago not used but does use a modified version of citing sources

If preferring a higher level of high school courses then AP may fulfill students' needs. However, AP classes may also waste students' time if AP exams are not passed at end of courses. These are high school courses that are more advanced than regular high school classes, but these are not college level curriculum courses. They do, however, help prepare students for college level courses. They are deemed heavy workload courses that are not practical for some students who are in extracurricular activities. In addition, private colleges, and some public, do not accept AP courses, so do your homework on AP transfer courses before enrolling students moving on to universities. 

If going on to college, then there is no doubt students should enroll in dual credit classes over AP courses. First, students have one semester to pass dual credit courses with a C, sometimes a D, or better, versus one shot at passing just one AP exam at the end of the year. In addition, dual credit students are thrust into college environments with professors who have different expectations and demands than high school teachers. Course materials are different, as well, in dual credit classes where application of real life concepts and critical thinking and problem solving skills are used. In dual credit classes, students are expected to act, think, and respond like college students rather than high school students.  

Regardless of taking AP or dual credit, students are more prepared to work hard to achieve their educational and professional goals. Being aware of differences between AP and dual credit can save students time and money.

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Happy Back to School!
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