With dual enrollment classes on the rise in high schools, are AP courses a thing of the past?

High school is often thought of as a foundation or preparatory period for college, or simply life in general. Here, students receive a taste of the rigor of college as well as gain an understanding of concepts they may encounter. But despite this widespread agreement of the purpose of high school, how schools go about doing this has become more controversial, particularly in the realm of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment classes.

AP courses are courses with college level curriculum that require students to take an exam at the end of the year. If they pass this exam, colleges and universities may use these as course credit or placement. Dual enrollment classes are taken directly through a college, often a community college. By participating in the course and passing the class, students are automatically given college credit. While both have merits, it is widely debated which is superior.

Senior Paige Aston brings up one aspect of the debate against AP courses.

“I like dual enrollment better . . . I already get the college credit and then I don’t have to take the AP test,” says Aston.

While AP classes take an “all or nothing” approach, meaning students only get credit if they pass the exam, dual enrollment students automatically get the credit on completing the course.

Much controversy surrounds the topic of AP classes and dual enrollment courses

Another subject of controversy is the cost of the two. While community college courses for high school students are free, AP exams currently cost $96, an amount that can add up quickly for students taking multiple.

However, many argue that AP courses are much more accessible. Instead of having to navigate a new environment, students are able to integrate these courses directly into their schedules with teachers they are already accustomed to.

Some colleges may also be more likely to accept credit earned on AP exams rather than credit earned through a particular community college.

With many high schools giving students access to both types of preparatory courses, effectiveness comes down to personal preference and requirement. Students should discuss these options with their counselor and choose the course that fits their needs best.