CHALLENGING CHOICES

CHALLENGING CHOICES

With Ap and Dual credit classes, students can save money by fast-trackinig college

WORDS: Paige Barry, Lauren Kutcka, Cami Lollis, Olivia Mapes and Abbey O’Neill DESIGN: Joanna Kouros

PHOTO: Kayla Oberholtzer

Most people assume college begins right after high school, yet some students are beginning their college careers as young as at 14 years old. Through Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit there are many ways for students to kickstart their college career. “I had to enroll earlier this semester, but since I’m not actively going to a campus, it just feels like regular high school,” Charmie Janowski (12) said. These classes take place in a high school atmosphere and students enjoy the challenge. AP and dual credit classes allow students to challenge themselves while earning college credits. “I enjoy higher level classes because I like to have to think about things. Classes that are too easy get boring pretty quickly, which makes them really annoying for me,” Sarah Dowling (10)said. Taking these classes comes with some costs. AP and dual credit classes vary in costs, with

AP classes typically costing $94 just to take the exam according to the College Board. “Dual credit classes cost $75 for the semester and that’s for three college credits,” Ms. Allison Peda, English, said. Even with the additional costs students ultimately save money compared to the amount of money spent on college tuition. Taking college courses early can have downsides for some students. “I feel like I’m rushing school because these are supposed to be my “easy A student years” until college actually starts. This focuses on year I feel like I have to [work harder],” working on an assignment. Ap and Dual credit Janowski said. The coursework for AP is different from dual credit. For AP classes you have to take a final test to earn any credit. Dual credit classes are earned just by keeping your grade above a classes certain level. generally “The test is the biggest difference give more and you get less credits for it. I think class- dual credit is easier,” Emily McCoy (11) work. said

“PEOPLE DON’T REALLY LOOK AT DUAL CREDIT THE SAME WAY [AS AP], BUT THEY PROBABLY SHOULD BECAUSE BOTH ARE GETTING YOU COLLEGE CREDITS IN THE END.” -MS. ALLISON PEDA, ENGLISH