So what are some of the differences in AP vs dual enrollment classes? High schoolers looking to apply for college frequently look for means to not only be prepared but get ahead of the curve through curricula and courses that have college level rigor. With the right choices, they may even get credits that carry over to college!
Among the most popular type of course choices that help in the admissions for college include the College Board AP (Advanced Placement) and Dual Enrollment courses.
While other choices, such as IB (International Baccalaureate) and CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) also exist in a number of states/schools, we will discuss some of the pros and cons for AP and Dual Enrollment in this article.
So before we jump into AP vs dual enrollment classes, let’s first start with some basic definitions.
What are Advanced Placement Courses/Classes?
The roots of the College Board administered AP courses were established in the early ‘50s. The goal was to afford academically advanced student a leg up as they transitioned from high school to college. A major benefit for students successfully completing AP courses arises when they get college credits that may allow them to not repeat foundational classes that they are fully trained from high school days.
How are AP Classes Designed?
The number of AP courses that have been designed are numerous!.
Each course in the list is (a) college-level, (b) can be taken in high school, and (c) based on standardized curricula established by the College Board and administered by AP trained and accredited teachers at high schools.
How are AP Classes Administered?
While most AP classes last a full academic school year and are equivalent to a single semester at the college level, there are some variations. For example, certain AP courses could:
- Be scheduled over a single school semester at some schools (especially those that offer block schedules to their students); or
- Be equivalent to a full academic year at college.
How are AP Classes Graded?
AP grades are assigned on one of the following bases:
- A standardized assessment (test) at the end of the AP class, or
- Prolonged project(s) that last over the course of the AP course (which could be a school year or a semester).
In either case, the grade is assigned on a 1-5 scale. Students who score at least 3 are considered to have passed the equivalent college level course. A major difference in AP vs dual enrollment classes is this grading structure.
It is important to keep in mind that AP classes can have a separate grading scale. Many high schools that offer AP classes will utilize a A – F grading scale. It is not guaranteed to get college credit for passing an AP class as the AP test is required for college credit in these circumstances.
Does Every High School offer a Large Number of AP Classes?
Not even close. About 80% of US high schools offer at least some AP classes and the average number of classes offered is 8. Only highly ranked schools will typically offer 30 or more AP classes.
There can be multiple reasons for not offering a large number of AP classes. Some schools prefer other curricula, such as IB. Some may not have the capacity to maintain beyond a handful of AP classes.
The good news is that you are allowed to enroll for AP courses online, or self-study to appear in the final assessment, which is the all-important step to obtain college credits.
So, What Kind of Advantage do You Really Get in College?
This is a subject of some debate, but the answer may vary depending on how good the university or college you apply to happens to be, and more importantly, what their policies are.
There are certain noticeable trends:
- AP credits are generally not considered to greatly enhance the chances of getting accepted at a highly ranked college or university. However, they do help in helping college admission boards decide on a candidate.
- Many universities will offer college credits, while others (especially highly ranked ones) may not offer actual credits but offer the chance to directly enroll in higher level courses.
- The grades you receive on your AP classes do matter – as the Princeton Review points out.
What are Dual Enrollment Classes?
Dual Enrollment programs, also called dual credit programs, are exactly what they sound like – they offer high school students to take actual college level classes while they complete their high school graduation.
How are Dual Enrollment Classes Designed?
Unlike College Board administered AP courses, there is no nationalized curriculum or standard for dual enrollment courses. Rather, they tend to vary by school district.
Dual credit courses are offered in subjects that are typically considered to be part of all around college curriculum, including Languages (always English, and sometimes foreign languages), Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.
How are Dual Enrollment Classes Administered?
The answer varies in terms of where the college classes may be administered. The possibilities include:
- Classes at a local college – community colleges are a popular choice.
- At the high school where the student attends.
- At a specific high school designated to hold dual credit classes in the area.
The contents of the course are determined by the college professor, so it’s (a) not standardized but subject to whichever university is offering the course, and (b) does not vary much from school to school. Having said that, there is a degree of standardization by definition – a Microeconomics 101 course will contain the fundamentals of microeconomics in every course. In the comparison of AP vs dual enrollment classes, this is a big difference!
The site at which the course can be taken could make a difference to the ambience. If taken at a college, the high schooler is being exposed to real college students and competing for grades with them. If being administered at their own school, the familiarity of the surroundings puts them more at ease while studying advanced curricula.
How are Dual Enrollment Classes Graded?
Dual Enrollment class grades are not necessarily dependent on a final test that is administered at the end of the term. Grades are handed out based on how a normal college course is graded – a combination of assignments and tests.
The grades count towards both college and high school credit.
Does Every High School offer Dual Enrollment Classes?
Dual enrollment programs vary by state. They are not offered in every state, and the types of programs offered may vary by state.
Check to see what is offered, and how, in your state and local school district.
So, What Kind of Advantage do You Really Get in College?
Typically, a Dual Enrollment class grade of C or above is needed for a course credit to carry over to college. Like AP courses, it’s not clear how much of an impact they have on college admissions – it varies by the type and pedigree of college.
Colleges that do allow dual enrollment credits to be carried over typically do not encompass private or out-of-state colleges. Since the school districts work with local colleges to choose the courses offered, it will most often be the case that in-state colleges will allow for the transfer of the credits earned on a dual enrollment program.
Next, let’s see what factors one may consider when deciding between the two options.
Pros and Cons: AP Vs. Dual Enrollment
While both AP and Dual Enrollment classes have advantages, and certainly help talented high schoolers get a fast start in college, there are a number of pros and cons to consider before deciding which would work for you.
The two tables below list some of the salient characteristics of each type of program.
Table 1: Comparison between AP and Dual Enrollment Classes/Programs
| AP Classes | Dual Enrollment Classes |
| 1. Standardized curriculum creates uniformity from a college acceptance standpoint | 1. Programs vary by state and school district – so less uniformity/standardization. |
| 2. More colleges/universities will accept results – except for some top schools – to either let college freshmen have college credit or attend higher level classes. | 2. Typically accepted by in-state, public colleges only. The treatment of Dual Enrollment course grades at the college level can be very uneven. |
| 3. Costs are typically $95 per AP exam – though some states (like Florida) are free. | 3. Costs are commensurate with college tuition – typically around $400 per course, though some states (like FL) are free. |
| 4. 80% of high schools across the US offer at least some AP classes. | 4. Finding Dual Enrollment opportunities depends on state regulations and school district decisions, so there may be no opportunities within certain areas. |
| 5. Often dependent on a final assessment or exam – good test takers are at an advantage. | 5. Not dependent on a final test but rather performance throughout a course. |
| 6. If you know what you’re doing, passing the exam could take less time. On the other hand, many AP courses could last a whole year. | 6. Students have to attend the full college level course. On the other hand, Dual Enrollment courses last a semester – so could take less time compared to AP classes that last a full school year. |
| 7. Has the rigor of a college course but taught by AP curricula trained high school teachers. | 7. Not only has the rigor of a college course, but its taught by college professors and classes often attended by older, regular college students. |
| 8. AP courses can boost student’s high school GPAs by up to 1.0 points (e.g., you can have a GPA up to 5) | 8. Grades from Dual Enrollment courses can boost high school GPAs – but the treatment varies. Usually, they are treated like Honors courses and can bump your high school GPA (if allowed) by up to 0.5. |
Based on the above, Table 2 (AP) and Table 3 (Dual Enrollment) present some pros and cons to consider when deciding between AP and Dual Enrollment programs:
Table 2: Pros and Cons of AP Classes/Programs
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Standardized curriculum creates uniformity from a college acceptance standpoint. 80% of high schools across the US offer at least some AP classes. | 1. Could be dependent on a final test, which places finicky test takers at a disadvantage. |
| 2. More colleges/universities will accept AP test results to either let college freshmen have college credit or attend higher level classes. | 2. Taught by AP trained high school teachers. |
| 3. Costs are typically $95 per AP exam. | 3. Cannot get the “real” college experience since AP classes are not offered in a college setting. |
| 4. Duration of an AP course may vary, but since the result is dependent on the AP exam in many cases, the amount of time needed can be flexible. | 4. Some AP classes last for a full school year, which is good for rigor but does take up a lot of time. |
| 5. AP test results can boost your high school GPA by a maximum of 1 point – twice that of dual enrollment. | |
| 6. Since AP courses are more defined, and even the best colleges typically do not require more than 12 AP courses, a high school student who starts taking AP courses as a freshman can plan better. |
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment Classes/Programs
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. A full college course – not dependent on one final exam, allows for an easier experience for finicky test takers. | 1. Programs vary by state and school district – creating less uniformity/standardization. Therefore, Dual Enrollment results are typically accepted by in-state, public colleges only. |
| 2. Courses are taught by college professors, and students may get the real college experience if the classes are offered at colleges. | 2. Offering Dual Enrollment depends on state regulations and school district decisions, so there may be no opportunities within certain areas. |
| 3. Dual Enrollment classes always last a college semester, so they could be shorter than an AP class that lasts a full school year. | 3. Costs are commensurate with college tuition – typically around $400 per course. |
| 4. Due to the lack of rigid standardization, it may be easier to find a Dual Enrollment class that better suits a student’s abilities and future plans. AP classes are defined by the College Board guidelines. | 4. In some cases, Dual Enrollment classes could take more time to complete – since it will always last a college semester. |
| 5. Dual Enrollment classes offer more flexibility to students – especially beneficial to those who may be working or engaged in other extracurricular activities. | 5. Many states restrict Dual Enrollment class registration to high school juniors and seniors. |
| 6. Dual Enrollment course results may or may not result in bumps to high school grades – but with the schools that do accept them, the maximum grade bump (0.5) is half of what you could get from an AP class. |
The Final Word
When considering AP vs dual enrollment it’s important to note that taking either is a great idea for any student in high school. It creates confidence and can instill a strong desire to go on to college.
Which one you choose can be dependent on two factors – what is offered within your school, school district or state, and what your propensities, strengths, weaknesses and circumstances are. There is no one size fits all, pick the program that is best for you.