<p>(Cross posted in the Cafe too, by mistake)</p>
<p>Hi, I've done a search but haven't really come up with any threads about my specific situation. </p>
<p>I was pretty sure that I was going to do a free dual enrollment program next year (my junior year) called "Running Start." This program is nice because I would get to enter into almost any college in Washington state as a junior. I was planning on taking Calc 1, English 101, and Intro. Chemistry my first quarter. However, I just had my orientation last week and the kids there mostly seemed like they were doing it because it was free, not because it was academically challenging. </p>
<p>I also have an option to continue at my high school and take AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP US History, Spanish X103 (College class offered at the high school) and Honors Chem. My high school has a lot of problems with drugs and alcohol but I was thinking that maybe if most of my classes were AP's I would not have to deal with the druggies and slackers? An advantage of staying at high school would also be that I would get to stay with my friends.</p>
<p>Basically, I am just curious as to what you guys would pick if you were in my situation. And I was hoping some of you might have some advice?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Are you planning on going to "almost any college in Washington state"?</p>
<p>Tough call. It seems like you'll be more challenged in the AP classes, and that you'll have more fun, so I'd take the AP bloc. </p>
<p>In terms of credit, both are good because APs are so widely accepted, but so are actual college credits. For example, at NYU in order to earn advanced standing you either have to do well on the AP tests or present a transcript showing college credit from an equivilent course. So both will earn you credit, therefore choose the one where you'll have a more challenging and enjoyable time.</p>
<p>Our school has a large number of dual enrollement students who very much regret their choice. The social isolaiton of doing such a program is not to be underestimated- you may escape from some of the negative aspects of your school, but you'll miss out on the positive ones as well. Of course, this depends on the ratio of high school/college courses. If you're looking to get away from the druggies, the AP classes are probably a good bet. I'd take the AP classes.</p>
<p>I had been okay with going to University of Washington because I thought my chances weren't very good anywhere else. However, I have been researching more about colleges and am now hoping to attend the other UW (University of Wisconsin-Madison).</p>