Advanced Placement (AP) courses give you the academic skills you need in college and can also give you more time to concentrate on the subjects that interest you, providing in-depth, rigorous instruction. There is no college credit awarded for completing the class. The college credit is earned with a comprehensive test in May. You may register for the AP test regardless if you take the class.
Concurrent Enrollment (CE) courses are college-level classes taught at the high school level. You obtain both high school credit and college credit for successfully passing the class. Most classes have eligibility requirements of a 3.0 GPA and some require minimum ACT scores in specific subjects.
There is a $93.00 for each AP test. It does not cost anything to take the class.
For CE classes, there is a $30 admissions fee to Weber State University, plus $15-20 per class ($5.00 per credit), and possibly a college textbook.
60% of students earn a score of 3 or higher on AP tests. Most students report that they study approximately one hour each day for every AP class.
95% of students successfully complete CE classes (D- or higher). While 80% of students earn a grade of C or higher.
There is less risk of jeopardizing a failing grade on your college transcripts with AP coursework. If you fail the AP class, nothing is recorded to your college transcripts. You may still need to recover high school credit if the AP class is fulfilling one of your graduation requirements.
Concurrent enrollment may jeopardize your future financial aid and status at the college if you fail the class. Failing grades and withdrawals are recorded to your college transcripts. You may still need to recover high school credit if the CE class is fulfilling one of your graduation requirements
If you are good at taking test, AP is a great option to earn college credit. Most AP tests provide double the college credit of CE classes, providing six college credits if you pass with a 3 or higher. These credits may be applied to specific general education requirements at the college, or waive a requirement.
If you have good writing skills and get good grades (B or better) on your homework assignments, concurrent enrollment is a good option. It also assists in maneuvering through college processes, such as admissions applications and registration for classes.
Each college is different in how they accept AP or CE classes. You will want to contact the academic adviser at the college to find out how these credits will help you towards your college degree.
Go to www.collegeboard.org to find out specific information for AP coursework.
For concurrent enrollment, go to http://continue.weber.edu/concurrentenrollment/ to learn more.