Dual Enrollment: Is It the Right Path for Your High School Journey?

In recent years, many high schools have been encouraging students to participate in Dual Enrollment (DE). This trend is noticeable even at schools that already offer a significant number of AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) courses.

While DE can be an excellent option for some students, it’s not necessarily the best path for everyone.

Success with DE depends on a student’s goals, academic maturity, and future college plans. DE can be a great choice for students who can manage online and independent learning and want to explore areas not covered in their high school curriculum. However, DE may not always be the best option for those with strong course offerings at their school or aiming for highly selective colleges.

When Does DE Make Sense?

For many students, the best approach is to take advanced core academic classes at their high school while using DE to explore electives in areas of interest. In cases where a high school has limited advanced offerings, DE becomes a valuable option for accessing advanced courses. DE can also balance the curriculum when a student is taking a lot of AP/IB classes.

✅ Pros of Dual Enrollment (DE)

• Free College Classes: DE allows students to take college-level classes at no cost.

• Earn College Credit in High School: Students can potentially shorten the time and cost required to complete a college degree. However, this benefit depends on the student’s major and the policies of their future college. In reality, many well-resourced students, especially those who enjoy the four-year college experience, often use their DE credits to double major or explore additional subjects rather than graduate early.

• Easier than Advanced Placement (AP): DE courses can be less rigorous than AP classes. Additionally, students do not have to take an AP exam to demonstrate proficiency for college credit.

• GPA Boost: Most DE classes are weighted in the high school weighted GPA calculation, providing an opportunity to boost a student’s overall GPA.

• Expanded Course Options: DE can give students access to subjects not available at their high school, allowing them to explore niche topics, technical subjects, or advanced coursework.

• Flexible Learning Formats: Many DE programs offer online, in-person, and summer classes, giving students flexibility in their learning schedules.

• Potential College Admissions Advantage: Some (but not all) colleges, including public institutions in states like California and Florida, value DE courses in the admissions process. Some medical schools will count DE classes but not AP credits.

• Online Skill Development: Post-COVID-19, many residential colleges now incorporate online classes. Taking DE courses—often online—can help students develop the skills needed to succeed in this format.

• Early Release and Time Flexibility: In many high schools, DE students can leave early, giving them extra time for extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or personal projects.

  
  

❗️ Cons of Dual Enrollment (DE)

• Perception of Easier Curriculum: Some colleges know and care that DE courses are easier than AP/IB classes. A Duke University representative recently noted, “The DE curriculum shift does not align with students being well-prepared for Duke.”

• Permanent College Grade: DE grades are permanent and will be recorded in the national clearinghouse for college grades. Low grades in DE courses can negatively impact college and even grad school admissions.

• Transferability Issues: Not all colleges accept DE credits. Some institutions, especially selective colleges, may require students to retake core courses in their major, and some medical schools prefer students to take certain classes at a four-year college.

• Misaligned Academic Calendars: The DE schedule may not always align with the high school calendar, leading to different start and end dates and inconsistent breaks.

• Professor Variability: College professors can be more challenging and less accommodating than high school teachers, making it difficult for some students to succeed in a DE environment.

• Limited Impact on Selective College Admissions: Highly selective colleges may not weigh DE as favorably as AP or IB courses.

• Risk of Learning Deficiency: Students who do not thoroughly learn the material in a DE class and then skip the introductory level in college may struggle in higher-level courses.

• Registration Complexity: Signing up for DE can be complicated. Students must navigate high school and community college rules, meet deadlines, and comply with all requirements.

🎯 When DE May Not Be the Best Option

• While DE can be a great opportunity to explore interests, it may not be ideal for core subjects taught at the high school level—especially math and science. Most advanced math students will need DE to take Multivariable Calculus (CALC3), but using DE or AP credits to skip introductory courses in college can sometimes backfire for STEM students. Retaking these courses at the college level can provide a stronger foundation and a higher chance of earning an “A,” which is often critical for graduate school admissions, including medical or law programs.

📝 Final Recommendations: Is DE Right for You?

Deciding whether to pursue DE depends on your goals and readiness. Consider DE if:

• Your high school lacks advanced course options in your areas of interest.

• You want to explore subjects not offered at your school.

• You’re comfortable with online and independent learning.

  
  

  However, if you’re aiming for highly selective colleges or prefer a more structured, traditional high school experience, it may be better to stick with AP or IB courses.

  
  

👉 Pro Tips: 

• Talk to your school counselor and research your target colleges’ policies on accepting DE credits. Every student’s path is unique—make sure DE aligns with yours!

• Use ratemyprofessor.com to investigate professors before signing up for a DE class.

• Keep the DE syllabus for each class to use later to potentially get credit for a DE class.

• Another option for college credit- CLEP tests. Earn College Credit with CLEP – CLEP | College Board

Resources: 

• The Wild West of Dual Enrollment: Its Growth, Benefits, and Drawbacks - Future U Podcast

• 50-State Comparison: Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Policies - Education Commission of the States

DE students can take both in-person and online courses. We find that students learn more in person.

Photo Credit: WakeTech Website https://sl.bing.net/i3e9OiXlrsO