Dual Enrollment Classes vs AP Classes

Hi everyone!

I have somewhat of a predicament for my next junior year. My question is that whether to take either dual-enrollment classes at a not-so-well known private college, or taking AP classes at my current high school.

If I took the dual enrollment class, I would physically have to travel to this college for 1 class, then come back to take the rest of my classes. Unfortunately, this would remove a good chunk of my day for other classes. However, the bright side of this program would be that I would have the potential to earn 30 transferable college credits to my state school.

On the other hand, I do realize the benefits of taking an AP Class, as it would better my chances into getting into a more elite private college. However, my high school only offers 8 AP courses.

Thanks!

You should take rigorous classes in which you can do well. If the DE are courses for which your HS has no equivalent or are more in line with future plans, you should consider them. If your HS curriculum satisfies those requirements, then no need to travel back and forth. But without knowing more specifics, it’s hard to give more than general advice.

Dual enrollments also help your chances, and can be beneficial if your school does not offer the DE class that you want to take. I would take a dual-enrollment only if (1) the class is not provided at your school, (2) you want to pursue something related to the class or are genuinely interested in it, and (3) you are willing to put the time and effort into going to college and back every day. It’s important to consider both the negative and positive consequences of a DE — for example, you might have the potential to earn 30 transferable college credits, but you might also lose time for other activities and classes at school that might help your application.

It’s also important to consider the class you want to take. What college class do you plan on dual-enrolling in, and what AP class would you take at your school instead if you chose not to dual enroll?

What classes would you take through dual enrollment?

To azuwu + halcyon, it would be an the college introductory English 101 course + couple other humanities.

I wouldn’t pay a lot of money for an intro college class if your school has AP options. Also, do not underestimate the cost in money and time of attending two different schools.