AP Classes vs Dual Enrollment

Nomak54

Nomak54

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Mar 27, 2018
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187
Hello All,

I was wondering if there is really any difference between AP and DE. I am a senior with about one DE class and no AP classes. I figured I could academically stand out by taking three AP classes next year (Calc BC, Physics, and World History) but recently people have been talking me out of doing all of that especially since it's my senior year and it wouldn't matter as much. So I was wondering which class would weigh more or help me out.

In regards to AP physics, that class takes up two periods so if I dropped that I could sign up for another course, maybe engineering. I don't know anymore :(
 
My recommendation would be to take AP classes, but the "right" AP classes. Think classes like AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus (STEM). Don't relax your schedule for your senior year!!!
 
I know very little about AP classes other than what I have read in various threads on this forum.

AP classes were not available at my DD's school. So, instead, she took dual enrollment/dual credit course through three colleges, earning two Associates degrees in the process by the time she graduated high school. This allowed her to validate several classes at USAFA.

I would say if the dual enrollment courses are at the same level or as challenging as the AP, take them since they may be accepted at most universities in case you go to a "regular" college.
 
It's a good idea to challenge yourself during senior year. The application does ask for your senior year courseload, and you never know if they'll request first semester senior grades. I would at least take AP Calculus BC not only because Admissions may look favorably on it, but because no matter where you attend, placing out of Calc I and II can save you a lot of time. I don't know if AP Physics necessarily helps in this regard as it's algebra-based rather than calc-based, but I would think it along with other college-level STEM courses is useful to your application.
 
I teach in the 10th largest school district in the country and our DE courses only articulate to the local community college. If that is the case with your school, I definitely recommend AP.

And follow the advice of Juvat above. Don't slack off your senior year. Many colleges/universities track grades and behavior into the last semester.
 
You should take the most challenging curriculum your school offers, particular with STEM courses. (I've seen some pretty ridiculous AP courses- there is no need to pad the schedule with AP Basketweaving to show you've taken AP courses). Your objective is to show USNA Admissions that you can perform at the highest level academically. Keep the foot on the gas pedal ...this is not the time to coast academically. While your GPA is established for Admissions purposes (for the most part -- USNA can request your 1st Semester grades if they have questions about your academic qualification), Admissions will certainly look at your Senior year curriculum.
 
OK, so far I am set to take AP Calc AB (I haven't signed up to take the BC classes instead but I definitely will), AP World History, AP physics, and if it counts a couple of online college classes in Political Science and Engineering design. I may end up taking Dual Enrollment for English. I have to admit, although I'm taking two art classes I wonder if it's just too packed to the point where I start to perform bad. Would this be really worth it to do? Either that or I'm over thinking it.
 
If you're overloaded, I'd nix the art classes but that's just me.
 
Rigor, Rigor, Rigor. You need to take the most aggressive schedule offered at your school. If your school offers AP US History take it over a dual enrollment US History. Most competitive colleges view AP/IB as the most rigorous route because, although not perfect, the testing is standard across the country. It is too hard to determine the rigor of dual enrollment courses especially from smaller/online schools. Your guidance counselor will be required to submit a list of classes available with your transcript so that admissions can determine if you were deliberate in selecting a challenging course load.
 
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