The Role of AP Classes and Dual Enrollment in College Admissions

28 July 2025

Let’s face it – getting into college these days feels like preparing for the Olympics. The competition is fierce, the expectations are sky-high, and students are constantly told to go the extra mile. One of those “extra mile” strategies? Taking AP classes and dual enrollment. But what exactly do these options mean for your college application? Are they both equally valuable? Let’s break it down and talk about how AP classes and dual enrollment really play into college admissions.

What Are AP Classes?

So, AP stands for Advanced Placement. These are college-level courses offered in high school, and they’re managed by the College Board (yep, the same folks who brought you the SAT). They cover a wide range of subjects—from AP Biology to AP Art History—and each course ends with a standardized exam.

Now here’s the thing: colleges love AP classes. Why? Because they show you’re up for a challenge. Tackling AP Chemistry or AP U.S. History isn’t easy, and admissions officers know that. When you succeed in those classes, it screams, “Hey, I’m ready for the rigors of college!”

And if you do well on the AP exam (typically a 3 or higher), some colleges might even give you credit or let you skip introductory courses. That’s like getting a head start before the race even begins.

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is another smart move. It’s where high school students take actual college courses—often at a nearby community college or university—and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Double the credit, double the win, right?

Unlike AP classes, dual enrollment doesn’t rely on a final exam to determine if you pass. Your grade in the class is what matters, just like a regular college course. And since you're taking real college classes, it can be a solid indicator of how you’ll handle college-level work once you're actually on campus.

AP vs. Dual Enrollment: What’s the Difference?

Both options sound pretty great, but they’re not the same. Here's a handy comparison:

| Feature | AP Classes | Dual Enrollment |
|-------------|----------------|----------------------|
| Curriculum | Standardized by College Board | Varies by college/instructor |
| Credit Requirement | Pass final AP exam | Pass the course |
| Where Offered | At your high school | At a college or online |
| Rigor Level | College-level high school course | Actual college course |
| Acceptance by Colleges | Well-known nationwide | Varies by college and state |

As you can see, while both types of coursework are impressive, they serve different purposes and are evaluated differently.

How Colleges View Rigorous Coursework

Here’s the million-dollar question: do AP classes and dual enrollment actually help you get into college?

Short answer: Yes. But how much it helps depends on several things:

1. Selectivity of the College – If you’re aiming for super selective schools like Stanford or MIT, they’re going to expect you to challenge yourself as much as your school allows. That usually means stacking your schedule with APs if they’re available.

2. Your High School’s Offerings – Admissions officers don’t expect you to take courses your school doesn’t offer. If your school focuses on dual enrollment rather than AP, that’s fine. Just make sure you’re taking advantage of what’s available to you.

3. Your Grades – Taking a rigorous class won’t help much if you bomb the course. A balance is key. It's better to get an A in a regular class than a C in an AP, but an A in an AP? That’s gold.

4. Your Interests – Taking AP or dual enrollment courses that align with your intended college major can help your application stand out. Want to study engineering? AP Calculus and Dual Enrollment Physics might just be your secret weapon.

The Strategic Value of AP Classes

AP classes are the classic go-to for students who want to stand out. Not only do they look impressive on a transcript, but they also prepare you for college by mimicking the pace and depth of actual college classes.

Plus, if you earn multiple AP credits, you might even graduate college early—or at least skip a few gen-ed requirements. That’s time and money saved.

But let’s keep it real. AP classes aren’t for everyone. They demand time, effort, and serious self-discipline. They can also come with a decent amount of stress. So, if you're going to take them, make sure you're mentally ready and emotionally prepared.

Dual Enrollment: A Real-World Sneak Peek

What makes dual enrollment so special is its practicality. You're not just reading about college; you’re living it. Attending real college classes, often with older students, gives you a taste of what’s to come.

This experience can be invaluable. You'll learn how to manage your time, advocate for yourself, and navigate a syllabus—all crucial college skills. Plus, passing a dual enrollment class not only boosts your high school GPA but also gives you a college transcript before you even step foot on campus.

However, not all colleges accept dual enrollment credits equally. Some might give full credit, others partial, and some not at all. It’s always smart to check with prospective colleges if you're counting on those credits to transfer.

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely! In fact, many high-achieving students mix and match AP classes with dual enrollment to showcase a well-rounded academic profile. Maybe your school offers AP English but not AP Psychology—why not take Psych through dual enrollment?

By combining both, you’re showing colleges that you're maximizing your learning opportunities. Just be careful not to overload yourself. Burning out before senior year isn't part of the plan.

Which One Should You Choose?

Still stuck on choosing between the two? Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your decision:

- Prefer structure and standardized content? Go AP.
- Want flexible pacing and real college exposure? Dual enrollment might be a better fit.
- Targeting top-tier schools? AP classes are more universally recognized and respected.
- Looking to knock out some gen ed courses early? Dual enrollment can be a shortcut.
- Does your school lean more heavily toward one option? Take what’s available and excel at it.

Ultimately, the best path is the one that matches your goals, strengths, and what your school offers.

How These Choices Affect Scholarship Opportunities

Here’s a little bonus info: AP and dual enrollment classes don’t just beef up your college apps—they can help with financial aid too.

Many merit-based scholarships consider course rigor alongside GPA and test scores. So, challenging yourself in high school could literally pay off in the form of tuition assistance, grants, or institutional scholarships.

Plus, by earning college credit early, you might save on future tuition costs. Every credit earned in high school is one less you might have to pay for later.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Let’s keep it honest—these options aren’t without hiccups. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

- AP Exams Cost Money – Each AP exam has a fee (though waivers are available).
- Dual Enrollment GPA Transfer – A bad grade in a dual enrollment course might stick with you on your college transcript.
- Course Availability – Not all schools offer a wide range of AP or dual enrollment classes. And not all students have the same access.
- Time Commitment – These classes are intense! Make sure you can balance them with the rest of your life.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between AP classes and dual enrollment isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s more like picking your training path for the big college “marathon.” Some students thrive in the structured world of AP courses, while others shine with the real-world challenge of dual enrollment.

The good news? Both options say something powerful about you. They show colleges you're serious, driven, and capable of college-level work. That's a win in any admissions office.

So take a deep breath, weigh your options, and remember: whether it's AP, dual enrollment, or a bit of both, you're already ahead of the game just by thinking this through.