High school students can earn college credit four main ways: AP exams, IB exams, dual enrollment courses taken through a college, and credit-by-exam such as CLEP. Each college decides what it will accept, what score or grade it requires and whether credit counts toward requirements or only as electives. Credit can save time and money, but only if it fits the student’s likely college and major.
The four main routes
AP courses and exams
Advanced Placement courses follow a set curriculum and end with a standardized exam scored on a 1 to 5 scale. Colleges set their own score thresholds, and some offer placement into a higher course instead of credit. Our guide to AP classes covers the details.
IB courses and exams
The International Baccalaureate offers a full diploma program and individual courses at standard and higher level, with exams scored 1 to 7. Many colleges give more credit for higher level exams than for standard level. See the IB program explained.
Dual enrollment
Dual enrollment lets a student take actual college courses, on a college campus, online or at the high school, and earn both high school and college credit. The student gets a college transcript, and those grades can follow them. Read more in our dual enrollment guide.
CLEP and other credit-by-exam
Credit-by-exam programs such as CLEP let a student test out of introductory college subjects. Acceptance varies even more widely than for AP or IB, so check the target college’s policy before studying for one.
Why credit policies vary so much
- Each college, and sometimes each department, sets its own rules for scores, grades and course equivalents
- Credit may satisfy a general education requirement, a major requirement or only count as an elective
- Some colleges cap the total credit a student can bring in from exams or prior coursework
- Selective programs may require students to take their own introductory course regardless of prior credit
- Public colleges in some states follow statewide policies for AP or dual enrollment credit
Rules change, so always check the college’s current published credit policy or ask its admissions or registrar’s office.
Choosing what makes sense for a student
- Start with the transcript, not the credit. Strong grades in a rigorous course load matter for admission. Pick advanced courses the student can handle well alongside sleep, activities and life.
- Look at likely colleges. If the student is heading to a nearby public college, its policy may be the most important one to check.
- Weigh each option honestly. Dual enrollment grades go on a permanent college record. AP and IB scores are typically sent only if the student chooses to send them.
- Talk with the school counselor. They know which courses the school offers, how they are weighted and how they fit graduation requirements; see choosing high school courses.
Common misunderstandings
- Credit does not always mean graduating early. It may simply free up room for a minor, study abroad or a lighter semester.
- More is not always better. Skipping a foundation course can make the next one harder, especially in math and science.
- Weighted grades are a high school matter. How a high school weights AP, IB or dual enrollment grades is separate from whether a college grants credit; see weighted vs unweighted GPA.
- Credit earned in high school can affect college status. Ask how prior credit affects class standing, scholarships and housing at the target college.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor is not a tutor and does not teach AP or college course content. A mentor helps the student balance a demanding schedule, plan study time ahead of exams, manage deadlines for dual enrollment courses and speak up with teachers and counselors. Learn more about mentoring for high school students, or read about the difference between a mentor and a tutor.
Related
Common questions
Is dual enrollment or AP better for college credit?
It depends on the student and the target colleges. Dual enrollment produces a college transcript; AP depends on an exam score. Check how likely colleges treat each before deciding.
Do all colleges accept AP scores?
Most colleges have an AP policy, but the required score and the credit given vary. Some offer placement instead of credit, and some limit how much they accept.
Can a bad dual enrollment grade hurt later?
Yes. Dual enrollment grades become part of a college record, and some colleges and aid programs consider them. Students should take courses they can do well in.
Get started
Is a high schooler juggling advanced courses and needing a steady weekly plan? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.