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Are College classes better than AP classes What advice is best before attending college?
I want to know the best tips as a high schooler before entering college.
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TJ’s Answer
If your high school offers dual credit college courses that may be the better than taking AP courses. AP courses you get a grade for the class, but you have to pass an additional AP exam to receive college credit and each school may have a different acceptable score. However, the dual credit courses you just have to pass the class for college credit, which then is on an official college transcript.
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Tammy’s Answer
Usman, I have a couple of thoughts here and again just my opinion and just know each individual is different and a lot depends on your learning style, you major and the college you pick. I personally took AP classes but did not feel comfortable/prepared to take the tests, so I did not get college credit, but the rigor of the classes helped me prepare (that was many years ago ;-). Since then, I have had 2 kids and each took a different path. I had one that wanted the full high school experience and was in sports and he chose AP classes and not dual enrollment. He took 1 to 2 AP classes all 4 years of High School but only passed like 2 or 3 test with a score high enough to get college credit. My Daughter on the other hand wanted to fast track things and took AP classes her first 2 years of High School and then Dual-enrollment her last 2 years and self studied for 2 AP test and took 2 clep tests. She started college with with a year and a half a college credit mainly from her Dual-enrollment. What we learned: AP classes are good but if you don't pass the test with a score that the college accepts then you don't get the college credit (all colleges are different). For Dual-enrollment my daughter felt the classes were easier than her AP classes and as long as you pass (a C or better) you get college credit no matter what and the grades did not affect her future College GPA (though she had A's in all).
BUT even though she had 1.5 years of college credit starting college her particular major still had requirements and pre-reqs that she had to follow in a certain order so it has still taken her 4 years to finish college, however she was able to take a lighter load most semesters (like 3 - 4 classes vs 5), and with the lighter load she was able to work a job too. She was glad she did the dual-enrollment.
I hope that helps.
BUT even though she had 1.5 years of college credit starting college her particular major still had requirements and pre-reqs that she had to follow in a certain order so it has still taken her 4 years to finish college, however she was able to take a lighter load most semesters (like 3 - 4 classes vs 5), and with the lighter load she was able to work a job too. She was glad she did the dual-enrollment.
I hope that helps.
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Faye’s Answer
Taking AP classes and passing the exams is a smart move for getting into competitive colleges. Many schools will give you credit if you pass the test, but top universities might use your scores to place you in advanced classes instead of giving you credit. Check the college's website to find out their AP credit policy. If you can't find the info, reach out to an admissions officer for details.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Usman,
It is recommended to take AP classes in high-school for a variety of reasons. First of all, passing AP classes shows that you can take on more challenging classes and are ready for college-level work. AP classes can also lift your high-school GPA and make you more competitive for college applications.
When you get to college, it will depend on the institution and possibly your major how AP classes are seen. In some cases you will get full college credit for your AP classes if you scored a grade of 4 or 5. In other cases, AP classes will affect your placement, i.e. you can get into higher level classes, but not for credits. Some colleges or programs will not accept AP classes for credit or placement at all.
AP classes are typically seen as less rigorous than the corresponding college classes. How big the gap is will depend on your high-school as well as your college. Obviously, you would prefer to get credit for AP classes you have already taken and save some tuition money in the process. On the other hand, you don't want to start with less than ideal preparation for courses in your major. I would recommend to accept credit for gen ed AP classes but to take or re-take classes in your major at the college level (if you can afford it) so you have the best possible preparation for the higher-level classes.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement
It is recommended to take AP classes in high-school for a variety of reasons. First of all, passing AP classes shows that you can take on more challenging classes and are ready for college-level work. AP classes can also lift your high-school GPA and make you more competitive for college applications.
When you get to college, it will depend on the institution and possibly your major how AP classes are seen. In some cases you will get full college credit for your AP classes if you scored a grade of 4 or 5. In other cases, AP classes will affect your placement, i.e. you can get into higher level classes, but not for credits. Some colleges or programs will not accept AP classes for credit or placement at all.
AP classes are typically seen as less rigorous than the corresponding college classes. How big the gap is will depend on your high-school as well as your college. Obviously, you would prefer to get credit for AP classes you have already taken and save some tuition money in the process. On the other hand, you don't want to start with less than ideal preparation for courses in your major. I would recommend to accept credit for gen ed AP classes but to take or re-take classes in your major at the college level (if you can afford it) so you have the best possible preparation for the higher-level classes.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
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TRAVIS’s Answer
Dual credit, AP and CLEP testing are excellent ways to earn credits before going to college. It might be best to take full length courses in college if they are important to your major. if they are an elective or general studies course that isnt directly related to your degree, those might be the best candidates for completion before college.