Students often ask me which courses college and universities deem the highest ranking and toughest when considering an applicant.
My answer is always the same: Take courses that will give you a positive experience!
AP courses, or Advanced Placement, are designed to prepare high school students to take college-level courses and potentially provide them with college credits.
DE courses or Dual Enrollment are like AP courses, without a universal exam. They are semester-long college courses attended by high school students either at the local college, online, or the professor teaches at the local high school. *Remember that not all outside DE courses will transfer.
IB course or International Baccalaureate is a rigorous, internationally recognized pre-university curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education.
Let’s break it down.
If students want to save money or graduate early, they will load up on DE courses, which they can turn into an associate’s degree, attend a college of their choice, and graduate in 2 years. DE courses appeal to most colleges/universities as colleges can find the equivalent to core DE courses such as English, math, lab sciences, and social sciences. Saving you money and time!
Most U.S. high school students take AP courses. These courses allow students to take a rigorous courseload, study with their peers, and determine what’s to come in college. AP is a great way to test the waters!
In simple terms, A.P. is U.S., D.E., local, and I.B., global. Overall, which should you choose? This is where hiring an IEC to discuss your interests, level of learning, teacher input, transfer accuracy, maturity, etc. An IEC is the guide in evaluating each variable individually, giving you the KEYS to your SUCCESS!
Overall, colleges and universities consider the following from their applicants’ transcripts:
1. What courses did you take based on what is available at your high school?
2. How well did you do?
Keep it straightforward when determining your course load each year!
