Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit

AP/Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit There are many pros & cons to taking AP classes, dual credit and dual enrollment classes. Taking courses such as these can mean different things to different groups. First, everyone must understand the difference between these three types of classes.

Differences AP = The Advanced Placement Program, commonly known as Advanced Placement, or AP, is a United States and Canada-based program that offers high school students the opportunity to receive university credit for their work during high school. A student must pass the exam to earn the college credit. The score achieved on the AP exam does not affect the grade earned in the class. AP classes are taught by Geneseo HS teachers at GHS. The student pays the fee to take the AP exam in May.

Differences Dual Enrollment = Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment may be applied toward a BHC Degree and many may transfer to other colleges or universities. The dual enrollment courses are developed and taught by Black Hawk College teachers. Students pay tuition, fees and textbook costs. Students do not earn HS credit.

Differences Dual Credit = Students enrolled in dual credit classes have the opportunity to earn "dual credit" (high school and college credits) for the advanced level courses. These college level courses are taught at the high school and are considered to be part of a Black Hawk College degree or certificate program. The BHC credit earned may or may not transfer to other colleges. See your guidance counselor regarding the cost of dual credit courses.

Why take AP/Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit? Parents like dual enrollment and AP classes because they can save time and money. Many parents also like the prestige of having their children taking college classes. But parents are not the ones who have to do all the work, it is the students. Why do students like accelerated learning or more rigorous classes?

Benefits The Next Logical Step – Many have been tracked into advanced courses in earlier grades, so this is the next logical step. More Challenging (less boring) – Accelerated classes are not just a repeat of things that they have already learned. They are much more exciting and challenging. It is an escape of the regular high school classroom. Conducive Learning Environment – The students who choose to be in these rigorous classes want to be there and want to learn. There are virtually no discipline issues, no unmotivated fellow classmates, and these classes are a much more stimulating and creative learning environment. Often times the classes are much smaller with a lower student to teacher ratio.

Benefits Pride and Camaraderie – Many students are proud that they are doing college work in high school. From day one in class, students are like a small family. Your Major – Students could potentially earn enough credits to enter college as a sophomore and begin to work on their major that much sooner. Statistics prove that taking rigorous classes leads to future college success!

What are the negatives? AP is often more difficult than dual enrollment/dual credit classes; and the student does not get the college credit automatically with an AP class. In an AP class, the student must pass the exam. Not all colleges accept AP scores. Or there is a minimum score (3, 4, or 5) There is a heavier workload. High school students live busy lives and this is a big commitment.

What are the negatives? The Perceived Fear of Lower Grades. - But AP grade is weighted. Added Cost – Textbooks and some additional fees are not cheap. Schedule changes – This is a commitment that is expected to be lived up to. Once you have started an AP class, you are expected to finish the class and not drop.

What are the negatives? If the student was not academically ready for the accelerated learning class and the student were to receive a poor grade, it will stay on that students college transcript. GHS graduates with dual credits who enroll in BHC courses may find that the dual credits earned while in HS do not transfer to another college or university unless the student completes an A.A. degree at Black Hawk.

For GHS grads who enroll directly from HS to another college or university, the BHC credit usually transfers without having to earn an A.A. degree at BHC. In these cases, students will be directed to request that BHC send a copy of their BHC transcript to their prospective college upon completion of the dual credit course.

AP, Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment opportunities for GHS students AP CoursesDual Credit OfferingsDual Enrollment Offerings AP BiologyCS 100 Intro ComputersSee BHC web site AP ChemistryPsychology 101Suggestion: Speech101 AP PhysicsSociology 101 AP FrenchENG 101/102 AP GovernmentNA CNA certificate, non degree AP Calculus AP English Language AP English Literature AP US History AP Music Theory AP Spanish