AP and Dual Enrollment

At every college information session, a parent will ask, “Is it better to get a “B” in an AP class or an “A” in a regular class?” The admissions officer answers, “It’s better to get an “A” in an AP class,” and everyone moans. With an increasingly intense admissions process, decisions about what higher-level classes to register for can feel daunting. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment all offer a competitive edge to applicants; however, there are differences between the levels of rigor, work, impact on GPA, and attainment of college credit.  

A student’s curriculum is evaluated in the context of their high school, so if ten AP courses are offered, and a student has only taken one, admissions officers at competitive colleges will wonder why. But if a high school only offers a couple of AP courses, students can’t be expected to take classes that don’t exist, and they would not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process. 

While students in honor classes usually cover the same material as their regular counterparts, honors provides a rigorous study of each subject, requiring more projects, tests, and time. Honors courses follow a teacher-designed curriculum. Honors are valued in the admissions process. However, unlike APs, they don’t offer any college credit and are not as highly regarded. 

APs are designed to give students a college-level course experience within a high school setting. With a high score on the AP exam, a student could potentially earn college credit and save money on tuition in the future. AP exams are scored on a system from 1 to 5, with anything above 3 considered to be passing. While every university has a different policy, most colleges award credit for scores of 4 or 5 on an AP exam, and some for a score of 3. If they don’t give credit, APs can be used to place out of introductory courses, have the flexibility to double-major, or even to help you have a lighter class schedule while doing an internship. The great thing about AP coursework is that the curriculum is standardized across the US. Colleges know exactly what you are learning - and what you are learning is the same as students across the country. Because of that, it’s very easy for colleges to understand the rigor of AP coursework. 

In dual enrollment classes, high school students can take actual college courses taught by college professors or a high school teacher who has been trained and approved by the university. Programs, pricing, and course schedules vary by school and state. Classes are graded based on a combination of assignments and tests, so unlike the AP system, one exam does not determine the outcome. Dual-enrollment or Running Start (Washington state only) is a great option for students who have exhausted all the challenging coursework at their high school. Unfortunately, English 101 at a community college in Washington is not necessarily the same as English 101 at a community college in Texas. Because of this, it’s not a guarantee that all dual enrollment classes will be accepted for college credit. 

Taking higher-level classes prepares students for a more successful future in college, while simultaneously giving them an extra nudge on the admissions table. Preparing for college is important, but so is preserving mental health and not overloading the plate with challenging classes. This might involve opting for AP classes in one’s stronger subjects or selecting a handful of APs to spread out throughout high school. Admissions officers, of course, like to see intellectual curiosity, but they also like students who will contribute to the college community. Students who also spend time discovering and pursuing their passions outside the classroom will be attractive applicants. This means that finding a healthy balance between scholarly pursuits and extracurricular activities, community service, or other interests is just as important. Colleges are searching for dynamic individuals with various talents and perspectives who will diversify their campuses.   

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Financial Matters: The Hidden Costs of College

College financial aid packages should start arriving this month. Sometimes additional fees are built into the budget information provided by colleges, and sometimes it’s not. When you begin to compare your out-of-pocket costs, be sure to include expenses that go beyond room, board, and tuition.  These costs may vary from one institution to another, but they add up quickly. Here are some of the additional costs to keep in mind:

Books- According to the College Board (2021-2022 academic year), full-time undergraduates at a four-year university spent an average of $1,240 on books and supplies. Buying new textbooks from the university bookstore is expensive. Students can look on Amazon, Cheapest Textbooks, or even Barnes and Noble, and they can also buy used textbooks to save money.

Another possibility is the campus library, though this option may not always be available because of the amount of text books available. When done with the books, consider reselling them.

Food- Meal plans differ from college to college—buy the plan that best reflects the way you are likely to eat. According to the Education Data Initiative (August 2023), college students spend an average of $410 a month eating off campus, in addition to the average meal plan of $331. Food costs also vary depending on the location of the college.

Transportation- Distance from home and availability of lower-cost travel options should be considered.  If you will be traveling by air, buy tickets well in advance for peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving.  Bringing a car to campus? Better add in the cost of parking, gas, and maybe some parking tickets.

Greek Life- Costs associated with going Greek can be expensive.  In addition to chapter dues, initiation fees can range from hundreds to even thousands. Sometimes even higher costs are incurred when living in a sorority or fraternity house rather than in campus housing. Special activities also can be costly.

Club and Organization Fees- These can include fees for intramural sports, political groups, or professional organizations.

Studying Abroad- Expenses are often incurred including air travel, living expenses, and visas.  Some colleges will provide stipends to cover additional expenses so that more students can experience a semester abroad.

Decorating and Furnishing Living Spaces- Dorms usually provide basic furniture and lighting. Students will need to provide their bedding, lamps, rugs, and posters. Once they move off campus, they may also need to buy furniture, beds, and kitchen supplies.

Emergency Expenses- Though unpredictable, they are inevitable, whether it is a trip to the emergency room, a car repair or a lost laptop. It is helpful to have some money reserved.

By keeping these additional costs in mind you and your student can more effectively compare the cost of attendance at the colleges you are considering. Please reach out if you would like to meet about the different college financial aid offers you are receiving. I am happy to help you break down the costs and compare apples to apples!