You always hear students arguing whether Advanced Placement classes (AP) or Dual Credit classes (DC) are the better option. Students find themselves skeptical over which one to sign up for, so these are some basic things to know before you make the decision.

AP and DC classes are both courses that will give you college credit. Depending on what class you take, Dual Credit and AP classes do different classwork, like English III AP and English III DC. Some classes require you to do the same work, like AP U.S. History. Either way, you’ll still be doing college class work, which require more effort than your typical K level class. 

Dual Credit classes will go towards you college credit and high school at the same time. In Advanced Placement classes you do college work that gives you high school credit, and towards the end of the year you have to take an exam and have to get a 3 out of 5 to get the college credit (some ivy-league or other more prestigious schools will not accept a score of 3/5 and will make you take the class again.) For this reason people prefer Dual Credit. If you’re not a good tester, then it’s probably best you take Dual Credit so you’re not reliant on this one test. Sometimes when classes mix both AP and DC classes together, the students will do the same work.

If you want to try out taking a college course but aren’t sure you’re ready for it and think you may drop out, then it’s advisable you take the course AP. This way, you won’t lose any money because for DC classes you have to pay before the course starts. On the other hand, you could think that since you’ve already paid, now you have to stay in the Dual Credit class to get your money’s worth.

AP is also on the pass/fail basis, so it won’t affect your college GPA. If you’re in a Dual Credit class and did horribly, you can choose not to transfer the credit and take the class again or just take the bad GPA. (2.4 GPA and a 3.9 GPA will get you the same degree.) You can choose not to transfer your Dual Credit.

Any colleges in the country will also accept AP credit, but only certain places accept Dual Credit. Almost all of the colleges in Texas will accept your Dual Credit (like Baylor, UH, T A&M), but some out of state colleges won’t. If you already have your ideal colleges to go to picked out, make sure to check if they accept DC classes first so you won’t have to take the same course again.

Whether you take AP or DC, expect to do more work, but at the end it’ll be worth it because AP and DC classes are cheaper than if you were to take them in college and you’ll be able to work towards that degree a little faster since you already got some classes out the way. Just don’t let previous students opinions of certain classes stop you from taking it. At least give it a shot.