TCC vs AP classes

In preparation of the 2013 – 14 school year, students face an important decision: whether to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes or Dual Enrollment courses (Tarrant County College).

At the end of each year, AP tests, administered throughout the school district, determine if students meet the requirements for college credit. Students lean towards taking AP classes more because of the chance to gain college credit through their scores (a three or higher generally means the student receives credit), and an automatic exemption for the final if the student passes the class.

“The AP classes will always have more clout than TCC credit due to the fact that all AP classes are subject to a national exam,” AP Government and Economics teacher Craig Rabalais said.

TCC benefits students in a different aspect than AP does. With more classroom freedom, TCC students receive more space for flexibility with jobs and other activities. Accompanying classroom freedom, TCC also gives students college credit without having to endure the AP test. Senior Trevor Byington chooses TCC courses because they work with his plans for the future.

“I’m taking TCC so I can get a UTA Bachelor’s degree for under $10,000,” Senior Trevor Byington said.

Not all colleges accept dual credit because the credits were used to meet graduation requirements, a downfall to TCC. With a community college course, the grade and credit very subjective.

“One junior college course here can be quite different than others across the nation.” Rabalais said.