Staying Ahead of the Game

Jessie Larson
Staff Writer
  To complete high school, course credits are required for every student which is why most high schools let students go beyond that by offering advanced placement and dual credit classes. In addition to a standard high school credit, these courses also reward a college credit. There are a variety of cons and pros to both teachers and students regarding AP and dual credit courses. 
  First, the cons. “I enjoyed learning in my dual credit class, but the workload was definitely heavier than a normal class.” stated a student at Bonneville High School who wishes to stay anonymous. When asked if the workload was more stressful the student replied, “Yes and no. It depends on the day. Sometimes I would only have one assignment and other times I’d have a couple hours of homework.” For students who are looking for the easier path, they should take standard classes since the assigned homework is usually less time-consuming. Although, time is not the only con. Tests are usually graded harder and require solid knowledge of the material. One of the main issues of AP classes is that students may not always get both the college and high school credit, because it depends on a final exam or grade. If a student passes with a three or higher, they get both credits, and if they do not pass, they only get the high school credit. This is why many students prefer dual credit courses. If a student passes the class they are guaranteed the college credit.  There are pros and cons to both AP and dual credit classes.
  The bonuses of these classes are one of the reasons students take these classes. Getting college credits in high school gives students a head start if they plan on furthering their education after high school. Students also gain a wider knowledge and learn  more in depth while participating in  dual credit classes than on-grade classes . 
 These special courses seem almost necessary for students who desire specific occupations. Students must decide if these  higher-level classes are worth the head start or not. The choice between these comes down to the students' desires.