Wed, Jan 15, 2025 11:30 AM

I am a huge fan of students taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Enrollment, and Early College Classes.  But the question you need to ask is – why is my student taking these types of classes?

Maybe you are hoping your student will be able to earn college credit by taking AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or Early College Classes. This is a common expectation many parents have as their high school student explores ways to get ahead in their education. With so many options available, understanding how these programs work and the benefits they offer is crucial.

AP and IB programs provide students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in high school. By performing well on AP exams or IB assessments, students may earn college credits, depending on the college or university they are applying to. In other cases, taking AP and IB is an admissions requirement just to have a chance to get admitted to a highly selective college.

Dual Enrollment and Early College Classes, on the other hand, allow students to take actual college courses, earning credits that often transfer more easily. However, each institution has its own rules, so it’s important to do your research and check credit transferability in all cases.

Getting college credit also means a student (and family) can potentially save some money when a student no longer has to take certain classes to progress through their chosen degree program. But the benefits of these programs go beyond just saving money on college tuition. They offer your student a chance to experience the rigors of college coursework, better preparing them for future academic challenges when they actually get to college, where the rules and expectations of their college professors are often more demanding and there is significantly less hand holding than in high school. Additionally, participating in these programs can enhance college applications, showing a student’s willingness to take on and excel in advanced learning opportunities.

At College and Beyond LLC, we understand that navigating these options can be overwhelming which is why we are here to support parents and students in making informed decisions that align with their academic goals. While we don’t want to push you toward any specific program, our expertise in college admissions and planning can provide valuable insights to help your student thrive both in high school and when they head off to the right college in the future.

By carefully considering the available programs and understanding how they fit into your student’s overall academic plan, you can help them take meaningful steps toward a successful college experience. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help you and your student every step of the way.

Since the College Money Talk is part of my process – feel free to schedule a meeting with me today.

Need help with the College Admissions Process, Finding Scholarships, or with Financial Aid?

Schedule your Meeting with Dan Bisig – TODAY!