(This is an archive story, please refer to the byline for journalist’s name)
By Aimee Monnet
With class selections coming soon for the 2020-2021 school year, there are a variety of courses to choose from. AP and dual credit classes are courses that allow for the potential of earning credit in college. However, there are distinctions between the two that students may not be aware of when signing up.
It is important to at least consider these classes when making your decision, as they offer a lot in the way of advantages for the years of college to come. However, in signing up for this academic denomination, you need to be prepared for what is expected.
The expectations of an AP class are much like those of a pre-AP class, just taken further. The material is much more in-depth, and will likely require more studying to readily absorb the material. A general estimate (according to collegeexpress.com) is about two hours of studying or just time spent on homework per night per class. It is also suggested that you increase the amount of time spent studying around the time of the AP assessment at the end of the year to ensure readiness.
There are different possible sets of expectations for those interested in dual credit courses. Students may be expected to attend regular classes, attend classes on the TCC campus, take online courses via a professor (supervised by a teacher), or take courses directly taught by a TCC professor in a Brewer classroom. To receive credit for these courses, you have to pass year round. There is no end of the year exam, though.
Courses taught through The University of Texas at Austin are another option within the dual credit category known as OnRamps courses. They are offered for grades 11 and 12 and are weighted at 15%.
The end of the year AP assessment is a total of $94. If you are taking dual credit classes through UT Austin, there are no attached fees. If you take a course through TCC, you will have a fee of $177 per course. This may also come with textbook fees. However, there are opportunities for financial aid. For example, if you qualify for reduced lunches the price of these courses will also be reduced.
An AP class will boost your GPA, so long as you are passing. AP courses, also, give a 10 point boost, so if you are making an 80, it would be weighted as a 90 in an on level course. A grade average of 75 is generally considered passing. Additionally, depending on the course you take the grade may be weighted at 10 to 15 %.
When considering these courses, you have to consider both the possible negative and positive effects on things such as your GPA. If you take these classes, but are not passing, it can lower your GPA rather than raise it.
In AP classes, the end of the year assessment for these courses is what decides whether or not you get the college credit associated with these classes. However, even if you do not pass the end of the year assessment, you will still receive high school credit.
It is easy to admire those who would consider these courses. However, take into account things such as your roles and responsibilities to the class (financial and academic), how it may affect your GPA, and how it may be beneficial in college. There is so much more to these classes than easy college credit, but if it is something you would like to do, it is absolutely worth it.