As high school students consider which courses will best prepare them for college, they often encounter two popular options for earning college credit early: Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual credit (DC) courses. Understanding the differences between these pathways is essential for making informed decisions that align with academic goals. This blog will explore the definitions, benefits, and considerations of both AP and dual credit courses to help students and parents navigate this important choice.
What Are AP and Dual Credit Courses?
AP Courses: These college-level classes offered in high schools challenge students with a rigorous curriculum. At the end of the course, students typically take a standardized exam, and scoring well can earn them college credit. AVLI offers a variety of College Board-approved AP courses, and students are expected to sit for the exam after completing their coursework. According to the College Board, over 2.8 million students took AP exams in 2022, with many colleges offering credit for scores of 3 or higher.
Dual Credit Courses: These allow high school students to enroll in actual college classes, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. AVLI has a dual credit partnership with Creighton University, where students can receive college credit for select AVLI courses by enrolling and paying traditional course fees plus an additional fee for credit application. See more information here.
How Are They Different?
Credit Earning Process: To receive college credit for AP courses, students must write the AP course exam set by the College Board, and earn a minimum acceptable score (often 3, 4, or 5 on a 5 point scale). In contrast, dual credit courses grant credit upon successful completion of the course with a satisfactory overall grade (70% or above). The grade a student earns in a dual credit course is the transcripted grade for university credit.
Transferability of Credits: AP exam scores are widely recognized by colleges across the country though the type of credit earned may differ from college to college, and while a grade of 3 may prove credit-worth at one university, it may not at another. Dual credit is actual transcripted credit from the associated university. Most universities have reciprocity arrangements though, once again, the type of credit granted may vary from university to university.
Credit acceptance varies from college to college and it’s the student’s responsibility to determine if their courses will be transferable to the institution of their choice. To ensure credits are accepted by their target college, students can:
Use Transferology, a free online tool showing how courses transfer. Or see Creighton's designations for AVLI dual credit courses.
Contact the admissions office of your intended college directly and ask specific questions about AP and dual credit acceptance, including how credits are applied and if they affect scholarship eligibility.
Check the college's website for transfer credit policies.
Use the College Board's AP Credit Policy Search tool to see how scores transfer.
The Benefits of Both Options
Both AP and DC courses offer significant advantages:
College Preparation: Both types provide exposure to college-level material and expectations, easing the transition to freshman year. Research shows that dual enrollment yields positive outcomes for students, including higher rates of college enrollment and persistence.
Cost Savings: By earning college credits early, students can reduce overall tuition costs.
Enhanced College Applications: Colleges value both AP and DC courses on applications as they demonstrate a student’s willingness to take on challenging coursework. About two-thirds of admissions officers say AP courses improve admission chances.
Early Graduation: Students entering college with AP or DC credits may graduate earlier. Research indicates that those with AP credits are 71% more likely to graduate in three years compared to those who did not take AP courses.
Unique Advantages
Advanced Placement
Recognition: Widely recognized by colleges across the U.S.
GPA Impact: Successfully completing AP courses can positively affect high school GPA due to weighted grading policies.
Standardized Curriculum: Ensures consistency across schools.
Dual Credit
Guaranteed Credit: Students earn college credit upon passing without relying on an exam score.
Real College Experience: Engages directly with college-level coursework.
Variety of Courses: Often offers subjects not available through AP.
Considerations When Choosing
When deciding between AP and DC courses, consider the following factors:
Learning Style: Is the high stakes test model of AP more suitable to your preferences over credit based on your demonstrated work over the entirety of the associated course?
Transcription Preferences: Would you prefer an actual grade to be associated with the transcripted credit (dual credit), or does the AP acknowledgment of a test score of 1 through 5 suffice?
Time Management Skills: Are you prepared for the demands of college-level coursework?
Future College Plans: Some colleges may favor one option over the other.
Course Availability: Check what options your school offers in terms of both AP and DC. See what courses are available through AVLI here.
Making Your Decision
The choice between AP and dual credit should align with individual academic goals and preferences. Many students benefit from taking a combination of both types to maximize learning opportunities. Both Advanced Placement and dual credit courses offer valuable pathways for high school students seeking to advance their education and prepare for college. By understanding the differences and benefits of each option, students can make informed decisions that set them up for success in their academic journeys.