Dual Enrollment Calculus vs. AP?Answered
I'm wondering whether or not I should take Calculus I, II, and III through Dual Enrollment or AP Calculus AB and BC along with Calculus III.
I'm a homeschooled freshman who is currently self-studying for multiple AP exams along with planning on taking a few (2 or 3) dual enrollment courses in the spring semester. One of the classes that I plan on taking next semester is Calculus I.
I'm wondering what are the disadvantages or advantages of taking dual enrollment Calculus rather than taking AP Calculus. I plan on going back to regular school next year and they offer Calc BC. Should I just take BC next year and then Calc III the following year (instead of calculus II)? Also, is it possible for me to take the dual enrollment course Calculus II and then take the AP Calc BC exam? If so, is that unnecessary or does dual enrollment have an advantage when it comes to the content that's taught?
I'd like to clarify, as this is typically brought up (with reason), that I have taken the courses before Calculus. I've taken Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus. 2 of these I took over summers and the rest were already in the curriculum.
Also, as for transferring credit, I looked up the credit transfer policies for the two schools that I'd apply to (UChicago and Harvard) but not into full detail. What I've been hearing though is you have to earn a certain grade in your DE class to recidve credit and transferring that credit depends on the university.
Lastly, I'm aware that going as far as Calculus III or Linear Algebra is unreasonable, but I'm doing it because I enjoy math. I hope to either major in Mathematics or Poly Sci (it's stereotypical, but I want to become a lawyer).
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3 answers
I recommend taking AP Calculus AB and BC. AP classes will offer you a few extra benefits in the admissions process compared to dual enrollment:
- Colleges prefer to see AP classes on your transcript because the AP curriculum is standardized, while DE curricula can vary widely between community colleges. This means that admissions officers will have a clear idea of how rigorous an AP course load was.
- Because the AP curriculum is nationally recognized, colleges are more generous with awarding credit for high AP exam scores.
- The quality of instruction and difficulty of DE classes can vary, whereas you know what you are signing up for with AP classes. There are also more study resources and tutors out there that can help you master AP course material.
Taking DE Calculus III will of course look impressive because there is no AP equivalent for the class.
Hope this helps!
The way it works in my state is you only receive in-state credit for Dual Enrollment, with a few exceptions from nearby out-of-state universities. To ensure that I get credit no matter what school I go to, I'm taking AP classes instead. Honestly, talk to your counselor about it next year, and figure out what works best for you!
I believe dual enrollment would be a better option. I am sure you understand the difference between the two but with AP you are required to take a class the entire school year with a chance of not making a qualifying score. Dual enrollment however would be a more classroom-like environment. If you pass the class you have guaranteed credits for that school.
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Thanks, this is really helpful!