What is the difference between Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment?
Both Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment programs involve students learning at the college level. A high score on an advanced placement test or completion of a college course may give credit to students once they enroll in college.
Advanced Placement is a nationally recognised program run by collegeboard.com to provide a rigorous curriculum of study in specific subject areas.
Dual Enrollment allows a student to earn college credits while still in high school. These course credits can be transferred to a degree-granting institution, depending on the policy of the college or university.
Advanced Placement Benefits
- Morning and after school tutorial available
- No commuting for classes located off campus
- Small class sizes with students and teachers from the high school
Advanced Placement Disadvantages
- Credit is only awarded for a high level of achievement on a final exam in May
Dual Enrollment Benefits
- Enter college with credits that can be put towards your degree
- Earn an Associate’s Degree while in high school
Dual Enrollment Disadvantages
- The University/College you choose may not accept the dual enrollment credits and you may have to retake the class regardless
- You are missing out on interaction with high school classmates and teachers
- Class sizes are larger than that at a private high school
- Teachers are not as readily available
- No daily tutorial in the morning and after school
What is most recommended?
Advanced Placement is a more favorable choice for those attending high school.
Blog Entry By: Valdis Gailitis, Director of College Placement, Admiral Farragut Academy
