Aggie Advice

AP, IB, or DC: Which Fits You Best?

For high school students interested in college, there are things you should know to create the most desirable college application. One factor that makes a difference are the types of classes you take during high school. Taking “college-level” classes — such as advanced placement (AP), international baccalaureate (IB), or dual credit (DC) — allows students to push themselves and get an idea of how college courses are structured. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

AP/IB Courses

Pros	Considerations
Most colleges will take strong AP/IB scores; however, it is important to check the university requirements.	Some colleges are more forgiving of lower AP grades if your overall GPA is good, but some may not be.
These classes give you a taste of the coursework level in college.	The difficulty in grading scale for AP classes can actually lower the GPA of some students.
The overall cost of obtaining the credits is much cheaper than tuition at a university.	Sometimes, there is limited variety of AP/IB courses offered at a high school.

 
Dual Credit

Pros	Considerations
These courses are available at most high schools in Texas.	Dual credit courses will be included on your college transcript.
The cost of these courses is minimal, but you might have to pay for textbooks.	Some universities could be stricter on taking transfer credits from other universities. It is important to check the university’s requirements.
Passing a semester-long course can feel less “high stakes” than taking one exam at the end of the year which may or may not result in college credit. It reduces pressure.	The quality of education can vary, so it is important to choose courses that will prepare you for your future college courses.

 
Reminder: Due to coursework limitations, students with more than 40 hours of dual credit are not eligible to participate in alternative admission programs such as Blinn TEAM and Gateway.