Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual credit classes are staples at most high schools. U. City has both AP and dual credit classes, along with the early college program- all which give students a head start to college life. 

“At the beginning of the year, plus the second semester, students are allowed to enroll in college classes,” Kim Merrill, early college and AP/dual credit counselor, said. “I don’t know the official count, but there’s definitely more dual credit offerings this year. As teachers finish their master’s degree they [become] eligible to teach dual credit classes, which adds to the increase in college classes and students taking them.”

 Students should take full advantage of these classes because of the rigor and preparation for college. U. City currently offers 15 AP classes and 21 dual credit classes.

“For students who are planning to go to college, they could be able to earn credits while in high school at a discounted rate,” Dr. Samual Martin, student transition coordinator, said. “I think that is extremely beneficial.”

Taking these college classes can be helpful since they prepare students for college, making the transition easier.

“I suggest that if you’re thinking about taking these courses to do it,” Trisha Hagar, dual credit math teacher, said. “College credit follows you; you don’t get to get rid of it. So if you’re going to do the college credit you need to focus and do your best.” 

With as many benefits as you can get from taking one of these college courses, it is important to try your best and work hard because these classes aren’t easy. The workload is heavier and the expectations are higher, but as long as you’re dedicated, there’s no reason to not take the class. Dr. Pamela Lester, a science teacher who’s been teaching AP Biology for two years, suggests that students should think about the commitment they’re making.

 “I would suggest students truly consider how dedicated they are willing to be,” Dr. Lester said. “It’s a lot of work but it is worth it.”

The main difference between dual credit and AP classes is that in dual credit, once you complete the class successfully, you receive the college credit. If you take an AP class, your college credit is awarded based on your test score on the AP exam. 

To take a dual credit class, sophomores need at least 3.0 current GPA, and juniors and seniors need at least a 2.5 current GPA. According to most students, the most challenging part of taking these college classes is the quick pacing and workload. 

“The most challenging part is the fast pace,” Sienna Yadzi, senior, said. “But it’s taught me to reach out to my teachers and how to communicate thoroughly.” 

Juliana Shackleford, senior, says you should try your best since the classes are pretty hard.  “Regular classes are easier to work with, but in AP you get more experience with knowing stuff about college- plus the extra work,” Shackleford said.

Andrew Holohan, senior, says he takes college classes for college credit. He also added that taking regular classes can sometimes get boring, so he likes to challenge himself a bit more.

“Don’t push off all of your work if you’re taking college classes since it’ll only get harder,” Holohan said. “It’s not worth it to ponder since it’s a lot faster than normal classes and you get more assignments more often throughout the week.”

Another benefit is not having to pay for these college classes in college since they were taken for free in high school.

“Being in one of these classes prepares you for college, so you’ll be familiar with the expectations,” Dr. Lester said. “Earning college credit in highschool shortens the amount of time and money you will spend on campus.”

Although the process of taking AP or dual credit classes may be difficult, the results can be extremely rewarding.

“I think the best part is that you are able to learn more about the subject, which I feel like benefits the mind and benefits how fun school is,” Emily Blackwell, junior, said. “You learn a new thing every day, and then you can implement that into your life.” (there’s more quotes i have if hers doesn’t work but i thought it was the best out of the ones i had.)

AP Credit classes:

• AP Biology
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Chemistry
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Computer Science A
• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition
• AP Latin
• AP Spanish
• AP French
• AP Studio Art: Drawing
• AP Government
• AP World History
• AP Psychology

Dual Credit classes

• BIO 111: Biology
• BIO 109: Human Biology
• ENG 101: College Comp I
• ENG 102: College Comp II
• HST 101: US History to 1865
• HST 102: US History from 1865
• HST 115: Ancient and Medieval History to 1865
• HST 128: Western Civilization from 1500 to Present
• HST 137: African American History Through Reconstruction
• HST 138: African American History From Reconstruction to the Present
• MTH 140: Intro to College Algebra
• MTH 160: Pre-calculus Algebra
• MTH 170: Pre-calculus Trigonometry
• MTH 210: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
• MTH 220: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
• MUS 113: History of Jazz
• MUS 114: Music Appreciation
• STR 100: Smart Start
• PSC 101: Introduction to American Politics
• PSC 103: State and Local Politics
• PSC 205: Constitutional Issues