Dual Enrollment vs. Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement is a nationally recognized educational curriculum that is taught at a more rigorous level than any other and if the student scores high on a final test given at the end of the class, the college of his choice may grant him exemption from taking that class in college. One of the things that universities like about the AP classes is that all students take the same tests, therefore all students are ranked by the same unit of measurement. One of the downfalls of the AP class is that everything is riding on that one test. Not all students are good test takers and this type of class does not do much for that student.

Dual enrollment, on the other hand, means that students are taking the high school course but also integrating the college curriculum into it. If the student passes the course, he is automatically awarded the college credit. This would seem to be the better option. However, there are some things that need to be considered. First of all, who gets to take the dual enrolled class? Is anyone who wants to give it a try eligible to take the class? Some schools say yes, others have placement test students must pass before entering the dual enrolled class. Secondly, which colleges dual enroll with high schools and what are their reasons? If student numbers are the colleges’ only criteria then everyone involved is jeopardizing their credibility. Teachers who teach dual enrolled classes must meet the same criteria as the teachers on campus and if that is not enforced then the college faces accreditation issues and the high school dual enrollment program looses credibility. If the classes are dual enrolled though community colleges then the possibility is always lurking as to whether the university will accept the credits.

What are the opinions of those of you who have experienced these two different options?