When selecting courses for high school, students have the option of selecting Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Credit (DC) courses to have the chance to earn college credits while still in high school. AP courses are regulated by the College Board, which is also in charge of the SAT. To earn the college credit, students must take a standardized exam in May for the course they want credit for.

A frequently cited drawback to taking AP courses is not every college accepts each level of achievement. However, in the state of Texas, public universities are required to award credit to AP scores of 3 or higher. Though specific score distributions vary, AP tests often provide 3’s or higher to more than half of test takers. This means college credit is frequently given to students who choose to take the AP test.

AP classes allow students to take learning into their own hands by giving them a set date for the test which determines college credit. This allows students to create their own schedules and study at their own pace. Students learn important lessons of academic responsibility while taking AP classes. If the class starts in January and the students don’t study for the test until the night before, it’s their own fault if they fail.

Although the workload can often feel overbearing, it helps prepare students for the rigor of college courses. The challenging coursework pushes students to work and study harder to earn the grades they want. Students are encouraged to form their own study habits and become independent learners through studying for their AP tests.

Would you prefer to take AP or DC?

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A benefit of taking AP courses is the lower cost level; they are far cheaper than both college courses and DC classes. Students don’t have to pay for the class itself, like in DC; they only pay to take the test if they choose to do so. Depending on whether or not a student is on free/reduced lunch, an AP test can either cost around $94 or $9. DC courses often cost hundreds of dollars, not including having to pay for the textbooks.

When taken during the school day, AP classes meet each day during its class period. DC classes only meet twice a week, giving less time for students to interact with and learn from their teachers. Having five class periods a week allows for students to learn at an accelerated pace and prepare for their exams, as well as receiving one-on-one interactions with their teachers.

AP classes receive a 1.3 GPA weight in Skyward. DC classes, however, receive a 1.2 GPA weight. The GPA weight makes it easier for students to improve their class ranks through taking AP courses. Additionally, if a student takes the AP exam and has a grade higher than an 85 in the class, they can be exempt from the final for that class, regardless of their graduating class. This alleviates the stress of cramming the night before finals and allows students to relax after their exams are taken.

Ultimately, the decision to take DC or AP courses depends on what is ideal for each individual student. DC courses offer a flexible schedule and don’t require a standardized test to receive credit, but they also can be expensive and take up extra spots in students’ schedules. AP courses provide a hefty workload, but the tests are cheaper and the program offers a way for students to become independent learners and be better prepared for college.