Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP)
Which is Best for You?

Dual Enrollment

1. A student may earn college credit by earning a minimum of a C in the course.
2. Most public and private Virginia colleges accept dual enrollment transfer credit from Virginia Community Colleges. Check with a PVCC advisor or consult the college or university you plan to attend to verify transfer eligibility.
3. The high school usually covers most or all of the cost. Students should check with their individual high schools.
4. PVCC dual enrollment courses are community college courses and present academic demands similar to those of a corresponding course at a four-year college.
5. Because it is a rigorous college-level class, it may favorably impress college admission officers.

Considerations

1. Because some out-of-state colleges may not grant dual enrollment credit, directly contact the college's admissions office to determine a school's credit transfer policy.
2. Out-of-state college admissions may weigh dual enrollment courses differently than AP or dual credit courses. Directly contact the college's admissions office for definitive information about how a specific out-of-state school treats dual enrollment.
3. Grades in dual enrollment classes will appear on a student's permanent college record. Unsatisfactory grades in dual enrollment classes may impact a student's financial aid standing. Check with the college or university for more details.

Dual Credit Enrollment

1. Classes taught at PVCC will provide a traditional college experience with college-age students.
2. Greater diversity of class options available at PVCC.
3. PVCC offers more flexibility in scheduling classes, including offerings in the evening, weekends and summer.
4. Because it is a rigorous college-level class, it may favorably impress college admission officers.

Considerations

1. Academic, advising and enrollment support is provided by PVCC and not by the high school.
2. Other colleges may not recognize credit.
3. Cost is the full responsibility of the student.
4. Online classes require high levels of student self-discipline and organization.

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Advanced Placement (AP)

Considerations

1. Student may earn high school credit by passing the class, but cannot earn college credit without scoring a 3 or better on the AP exam- not all colleges accept AP credit. Some restrict the amount of credit and some only accept scores of 4 or 5. Directly contact college admissions for definitive information about how a specific school treats AP.
2. Colleges often expect to see an AP exam score if AP is listed in transcript. Failure to take the AP exam in an enrolled AP class in sophomore or junior year is sometimes a red flag.
3. Colleges and universities with very competitive admissions may expect applicants to have taken AP classes.
4. Students often choose to take a blend of dual enrollment and AP classes while in high school.

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Difference Between High School & College Classes

College students must show greater responsibility than high school students in order to achieve success. We've outlined the differences in these responsibilities below to better prepare you for this transition.

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