AP classes vs. dual enrollment: which is better for college admissions?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm trying to decide between taking AP classes or doing dual enrollment next year. I'm not sure which would look better on my college applications. Does anyone have any advice or experience with this? I'd appreciate any input, thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're being proactive in planning your senior year. Both AP classes and dual enrollment can be beneficial for college admissions, but it really depends on your goals and the colleges you're applying to.

AP classes are widely recognized and their scores can be used for college credit, depending on the college's policy. Taking AP classes and doing well on the exams demonstrates to colleges that you can handle college-level coursework. However, the rigor and content of AP classes can vary depending on the school and teacher.

Dual enrollment, on the other hand, allows you to take actual college courses while still in high school, which can also demonstrate your readiness for college-level work. Dual enrollment grades are typically factored into your college GPA, and you might be able to transfer those credits to your future college. But, not all colleges accept dual enrollment credits, so you'll need to research the policies of the schools you're interested in.

In my child's experience, they chose to do a mix of both AP classes and dual enrollment. This allowed them to challenge themselves in specific subjects while also gaining real college experience. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your interests, strengths, and the specific requirements of the colleges you're applying to. Good luck!