High school students, for years, have relied on Advanced Placement (AP) Courses to get them into colleges and out of higher tuition costs. While AP opened up an  opportunity for students to achieve college credit and develop workflows for college, it’s become draining, a waste of money, and often felt by some, a time consuming, difficult workload to withhold. 

“I’m not a big fan of AP classes because you might not even get the college credit if you don’t pass the test,” Carly Williams, junior, said. 

However, as many still consider AP a great source of credit and experience for classes in the future, AP sees the slow decline in interest students have in taking the hard classes. In light, the most prominent reason for this decrease in involvement is Dual Credit. Dual Credit is a way that students can complete their high school courses and exceed through taking college classes through mixed campus learning and experience. 

“It’s a great opportunity to get my high school credit and also complete some of the basic college courses,” Williams said.

Dual Credit has become a successfully standing institution of higher education provided to the students through their high school career. Giving them college credit, credit hours, and accessibility to courses a normal college student engages in. 

“[Dual Credit] provides high school and college credit but also prepares you for college courses and the expectations,” Williams said. 

While AP gives students an opportunity to gain credit through exams, Dual Credit has exceeded credit by exam through college opportunity in hours. This is a more desirable way for many students to receive credit and enjoy college in the future; already getting a glimpse through the close knit course of hard work and high educational standards. 

“[With Dual Credit] you don’t have to take and pass an AP test to get the college credit,” Williams said. 

Many students have recommended Dual Credit, few giving students a thumbs up for AP; many believing that Dual Credit is more enjoyable and you get credit for the class based on your final grade not an exam. 

“Anyone wanting to get a jump on college credit should take it,” Williams said. 

Although AP still gives you an opportunity to get credit through exams, however being in the class does not give you credit- unlike Dual Credit. The majority of students claim Dual is better, giving students credit and experience with real professors. 

“I love that it is taught by an actual college professor,” Williams said. “I think professor learning is amazing and I have loved everything about it.” 

NOTE: Although Dual Credit is a great opportunity, sometimes cost is a disadvantage which could be a reason to take an AP class instead. 

AP Class: $0 

AP Exam: $96 (rough)

Dual Credit Class: $300+ (rough)

Dual Credit Exam: $94 (rough)