Tompkins High School (OTHS) students can take some form of the 33 Advanced Placement classes commonly known to students as AP classes. With fewer than ten dual credit classes offered, there is a significant shrink in the number of students enrolled. Many students do not know the difference between the two types of classes, except that they both give college credits and give a boost to their GPA (grade point average). Students can face challenges when creating their upcoming schedules because they don’t have many resources that explain these classes from a student perspective. That is why it is important to fully understand what these classes offer, so you know the risks and benefits of taking either or both of them.
Both are college-level classes that provide a somewhat similar workload, need for determination, and a fast learning pace, which is often twice as fast as an academic class. AP classes are provided by the College Board, a nonprofit that was made to help students gain work skills, and help to stimulate a college-level class. Dual credit classes at OTHS are courses offered straight through Houston Community College (HCC) meaning you are taking a college class directly through the college. Both types of classes also offer an alternative for students who don’t feel challenged enough in a standard high school academic class.
“[These classes] certainly serve students who have a skill set or a desire to learn above and beyond a high school environment, and at the same time, earn that credit,” said AP U.S. History teacher Jason Gigliotti.
The biggest difference between the two is how you earn college credit. In a dual credit class, the course has fewer tests but a regular academic schedule. Through your grades, you receive both high school and college credit. For an AP course, you have regular quizzes and tests throughout the year, and your GPA credit is based on those grades. However, to earn college credit, you must take and pass a national exam at the end of the year. This can be a make-or-break situation for many students, and some choose not to take AP classes because of it. Poor test-takers risk not earning college credit if they do not score high enough on the test, even if they performed well all year.
“If you are a really strong test taker, you may want to take AP. There are not as many tests in my [dual credit] class, for one thing, but there are also not as many grades because it is a true college class, so you want to be careful about that,” said dual credit U.S. History teacher Betsy Dennison.
In terms of GPA, the two classes differ slightly. Students who take AP classes have the opportunity to earn 5 points for an A, while students in dual credit may only earn a maximum of 4.5 points. The GPA boost of an AP class is one of the biggest deciding factors for many students. If this is your motivation, it is important to remember that you have to work for the extra point. Both types of classes have a fast-paced learning environment, and the additional point will take effort and dedication.
“Both classes I think do require a certain amount of self-discipline; there are certain things that I may not require as a grade, but you probably need to do them to be successful in my class, so study skills are still necessary,” said Dennison.
Another factor to keep in mind is the fact that colleges won’t necessarily accept any credit you earn in high school. It is well-known that with dual credit, colleges outside of Texas have a higher chance of not accepting the credit because it comes from an out-of-state institution. Although students take a risk when going to an out-of-state college hoping that their dual credit will carry over, it is not necessarily hopeless. Some colleges will accept any college credit you earn in high school; you just have to do your research beforehand. AP classes
are more likely to be accepted by colleges because of their long-standing credibility. However, there are a few exceptions with newly offered AP classes, so research is still important. The high schools that offer college credit also affect the chances of credit acceptance.
“Universities know that students from Tompkins are going to be more prepared than, perhaps, students from other schools in the greater Houston area. They can assume that the dual credit and the AP program at Tompkins are going to be strong, and they feel confident in awarding their credit,” said Gigliotti.
AP and dual credit both offer great opportunities and benefits for students who want more challenging classes and a GPA boost, but both come with some downsides that are important to take into consideration for students making decisions. Students must evaluate their own lives and positions within the classroom to make their individual decisions. With all the classes students are offered, there is a place and middle ground for everyone.
