AP (Advanced Placement) courses and concurrent credit (or dual credit) courses are both opportunities for high school students to earn college credit, but they differ in structure, requirements, and recognition. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
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AP Courses
AP Courses
Structure: AP courses are standardized, college-level classes developed by the College Board. They are designed to prepare students for a standardized AP exam.
Credit: Students must take the AP exam at the end of the course and score well (typically 3, 4, or 5 out of 5) to earn college credit. At public institutions in Arkansas, a score of 3 or above guarantees college credit. Otherwise, each college determines which scores they accept for credit or placement.
Recognition: AP courses are widely recognized by colleges across the U.S. and internationally.
Flexibility: College credit depends on exam performance, not just course completion.
Cost: AP exam fees are paid by the state. There is no additional charge for the students.
GPA Boost: AP courses are weighted in terms of GPA. Students can raise their GPA by performing well in AP classes.
Regular courses: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, etc.
AP courses: A = 5.0, B = 4.0, C = 3.0, etc.
Concurrent Credit Courses (Dual Credit)
Concurrent Credit Courses (Dual Credit)
Structure: Concurrent credit courses allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. LISA Academy offers concurrent courses through its partnership with A-State, ATU, and UA-PTC.
Credit: College credit is earned based on the student’s performance throughout the course (grades), not a single standardized exam.
Recognition: Credits are granted by the partnering college or university and transfer to other in-state universities, but transferability varies for out-of-state universities.
Flexibility: Credit is granted upon successful completion of the course, making it less dependent on a single test.
Cost: Students pay fees though LISA Academy. Some students may receive a concurrent scholarship and do not pay for the course.
GPA: Concurrent courses does not contribute to a weighted GPA.
Which is Better?
Which is Better?
It depends on the needs of the student:
AP is better for: Students aiming for highly competitive universities where AP courses are universally recognized. AP is also a better option for students who want to raise their GPA as AP courses give a weighted GPA.
Concurrent credit is better for: Students who want guaranteed college credit at state colleges and prefer coursework over a single high-stakes exam.
LISA Academy offers some courses as both AP and concurrent credit simultaneously. For example, AP Precalculus is offered alongside College Algebra and College Trigonometry. Students earn a weighted GPA for AP Precalculus and receive college credit, even if they do not pass the AP exam.
AP Seminar
AP Research
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Human Geography
AP World History
AP US History
AP Psychology
AP European History
AP Government
AP Environmental Science
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science A
AP Precalculus
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Spanish Language
AP Spanish Literature
AP Art 2-D design
AP Art History
AP Drawing
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Physics 1
AP Music Theory
Concurrent Credit Courses
Beginning Spanish I
College Algebra
College Math
Comp I
Comp II
Experiencing Art
Personal Health & Wellness
Public Speaking
U.S. History to 1877
World History to 1500
Calculus I
Introduction to Education
Human Development and Learning Theories
Integrating Instructional Technology
Introduction to Biological Science
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