Many high schools, including Colonia, offer AP and Dual enrollment classes to their students. While many people know these classes are accelerated, they do not know the actual difference between the two.

Nature of an AP Class

AP classes work towards and end with an AP exam. The AP exam is a long, difficult exam that requires much studying to pass. The scores you are able to receive on an AP exam are one, two, three, four, or five. One corresponds with the lowest grade, and five corresponds with the highest. Much of the material that you learn has to deal with preparing you for the AP exam. Getting a four or five on the AP exam almost guarantees that it will count for college credit. A three will sometimes count, but If you receive a two or lower your test will most likely not count for college credit.

Nature of a Dual Enrollment Class

Dual enrollment classes allow students to receive credit in a different way. If you pass the class, you are able to receive college credit. There is no requirement to  pass a certain test, but you must pass the class with a certain grade. You also have to pay for the class beforehand in order to gain credit from it.  This class curriculum doesn’t have to be based on certain material like how an AP class does. Some schools offer dual enrollment at a college. This means that during the class, you will travel to the college and take the class there. Other schools offer dual enrollment credit within the high school.

Debate Between AP and Dual Enrollment

People tend to debate on which class is better to take. Both classes will show your dedication to your schoolwork and how rigorous your coursework is. According to research.com, AP classes are usually more difficult academically, while Dual enrollment classes make it easier to gain college credit for a university. This therefore states that if you want a class with harder academics, enroll in more AP classes. It also shows that if you want more college experience and a chance for college credit, enroll in more dual enrollment classes. People have different opinions on what they enjoy more or think is more beneficial, but it really depends on what it is that you are looking for in a class. 

Opinion of students

Emily Schmidt, a senior at Colonia High School, believes that “Dual enrollment is an easier class and you get the credits easier, while AP is harder, the grading is harder and it’s harder to get the credits for AP courses. But I feel like in an AP class you learn more, even though they are extremely hard. I think both of them are beneficial in their own ways. ”

Cierra Bublick, also a senior from Colonia High School, stated that she prefers “dual enrollment because it’s the same material but accelerated and you don’t have to take an AP exam in May.”