What is the difference between Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Enrollment (CE) credit?
Earning college credits while still in high school is available in different ways. To determine which type of college credit class to take depends on the individual student, as well as the recommendations from the specific college you would like to attend. Contact the college’s admissions office to speak to an academic adviser. The college’s academic adviser can help you develop a course of action for your education after high school with these types of credits in mind.
What is the difference between these types of courses?
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 by passing a comprehensive test in May. You may register for the AP test regardless if you take the class.
List of available WHS AP courses: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TR3THZUH1rJ_UKbLAWkSWxEi4_Yt_wU2/view?usp=sharing
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. Check the course guide for eligibility requirements.
List of available WHS CE courses: https://sites.google.com/wsdstudent.net/whscounseling/college/ce-courses-available?authuser=0
How much does it cost?
There is a fee around $100 for each AP test. There is no cost to take the class.
For CE classes, there is a $35 admissions fee to Weber State University, plus $15-20 per class ($5.00 per credit), and possibly a college textbook fee.
How successful are students who take these classes?
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.
What if I fail the class?
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
Is it for you?
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 6 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.
Where do I get more information?
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.
CE Brochure Spanish.pdfTransferring CE or AP Credit to Utah Universities
What will your Concurrent Enrollment/AP Credit Count for?
Universities adjust requirements frequently. WHS Counselors suggest verifying credit acceptance and placement directly with the university you are planning to attend.
Each university has a “Transfer Guide” or “Articulation Agreement” available on their websites. Below are links to those documents.
BYU does not publish their transfer guide. You will need to set up an appointment with an admissions advisor.
Sending Credit
Concurrent credit: You will need to order an official transcript at EACH university you earned concurrent enrollment credit in and have it sent to the university you plan to attend.
AP Credit: Most universities require credit to be sent directly from AP. You will need to pay a fee to have the AP credit placed on your official college transcript. Talk with your academic advisor at your university to get more information regarding this.