<p>As far as college admissions is concerned, what would they prefer to see?</p>
<p>A high school senior taking AP and honors classes at the high school or participating in dual enrollment at a local college where they receive high school and possible college credit for taking classes at the college.</p>
<p>I know there are pros and cons to both, but what are they, in your opinion?</p>
<p>I think that in general colleges prefer to see AP classes. AP classes are more standardized while classes taught at community colleges vary in quality. Colleges know that if you took AP whatever there is a standardized curriculum.</p>
<p>Many schools do not grant credit for dual enrollment courses that were used to satisfy high school graduation requirements. It is easier to get college credit for AP courses.</p>
<p>I’ll just second what Proudpatriot wrote.</p>
<p>Asking what colleges like to see is like asking what people prefer. Your state schools probably have articulation agreements with the community colleges offering dual enrollment. The “AP” designation doesn’t mean squat unless it’s backed up with test scores. You kid should take whatever interests him or her (In my state, schools cannot offer AP and DE of the same course, so the choice is between AP CHem and DE Human bio, not AP Chem and DE chem).</p>
<p>Why not both?
IF one takes all the AP/honor courses offered…then to round out their schedules look to the local CCs to expand their horizons. I believe admissions want to see the student has taken advantage of every opportunity.</p>
<p>Dual-enrollment courses can be taken at schools other than community colleges.</p>
<p>AP>Dual Enrollment>Honors</p>
<p>Assuming the DE is through a CC, which I think most is.</p>
<p>S2 took two AP’s his junior year and two (3 credit hrs each) dual enrollment classes at CC his senior year.</p>
<p>I didn’t consider him a slam dunk for admission to his preferred univ. but thankfully he was admitted early in his senior yr.</p>
<p>I noticed on his university (non-official) transcript online,he was listed as a dual enrollment admit rather than a freshman admit. It made me wonder if the dual enrollment status had any bearing on his acceptance.</p>
<p>Son took two courses at CC and about 7 or 8 at universities. Many of the subjects that he took aren’t available as AP courses. One was a graduate math course.</p>
<p>It really depends on the school accepting the credits. Some schools take both equally, some don’t give credit for either and everything in between. We found one school that doesn’t take any DE credits, except on a case by case basis from certain states that run their DE through the flagships, not community colleges. AP credits are hit or miss too–some take every 3 and above, some only take 4’s and 5’s, some only give placement not actual credit. It’s something you really have to look into with every school.</p>
<p>I think if we’re comparing AP to most dual enrollment (at a cc or even at the high school since some high schools have courses that are approved for college credit), the AP is preferable except when you’re talking about public colleges in that state. I think, however, if it is a dual enrollment course at a competitive college or a class past the level of most APs, the dual enrollment course is preferred.</p>
<p>My son took both…dual enrollment at a public university for Spanish I and ii, and AP courses with exams. I agree that anything to show they have challenged themselves is a good thing.</p>
<p>At my DS school and most that he was considering (little LACs, plenty of CTCL schools) the schools didn’t give credit for dual enrollment at all and limited teh amount of credits accepted from CC. AP credit only comes on after a student completes a higher level course and sometimes for placement, and most required a 4 or 5. State schools accepted both dual enrollment and credit was given for 3,4,or 5. Do yourself a favor and look through various academic policies for potential schools. </p>
<p>I agree that the important thing is to feel challenged. However, if you are trying to either save money or graduate early, the devil is in the details.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Simple question with an even simpler answer. NOBODY knows except that adcom who will review the application in its … appropriate context. This means that it depends on a great number of factors ranging from available advanced courses at the HS to the location of the high school. </p>
<p>And, fwiw, it really is a question that should not really matter. The decision to focus on AP vs DE classes should not be made with admissions in mind.</p>