Do Colleges Care About AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment Credits?

Summary:

There are several ways that high school students can earn college credits, including the AP Program, the International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment. Additionally, HS students can earn distinctions with pre-college online courses, including those for college credit.

Key Points:

• Understand the pros and cons of the AP, IB, and DE programs.
• Understand what college admissions panels think about the value of these college-preparation programs.
• Explore an alternative path to college credit while in high school through pre-college online programs.

Earning college credit while in high school has been part of the education system for a long time, but it gained momentum in the 1950s. In this article, we’ll define and weigh the pros and cons of the Advanced Placement Program (AP), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), and dual enrollment (DE). Essentially, all three are advanced programs that enable high school students to elevate their education, enhance their college applications, and earn college credit. We’ll also share insights about online courses for college credit available through Prelum, Powered by Kaplan.

First, let’s answer an important question: What are college credits?  

Defining College Credits

A college credit is a unit that measures learning at accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. Federal guidelines note that one college credit hour reasonably approximates an hour of classroom learning plus two hours of independent work. Thus, for the average three-credit course, you'll spend around three hours in the classroom and six studying or doing homework each week. But how many credits do you need to graduate college? You’ll need to accrue 60 credits for an associate's degree and 120 to earn your bachelor’s degree, though requirements vary by institution. 

As a high school student, you can earn college credit through the following four pathways: AP, IB, dual enrollment, and pre-college online programs from leading colleges and universities. 

Let’s review the definitions of AP, IB, and DE and their significance to high school students. 

A Guide to AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment

Advanced Placement Program (AP): Enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. The AP Program develops college-level courses that high schools can choose to offer, along with corresponding AP Exams that are administered annually.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP, IB for short): Courses are taught with the same rigor as college-level courses, but with a global and cultural perspective. You can expect greater emphasis on interdisciplinary connections and writing. It is worth noting, however, that fewer than 2,000 U.S. high schools offer the IB program in comparison to the nearly 20,000 U.S. schools that offer AP courses. However, the IB curriculum is globally prevalent and recognized by a larger number of universities outside the U.S. If you plan to attend an overseas university, you will want to consider the IB.

Dual Enrollment (DE): This program allows you the opportunity to take college-level courses for both college and high school credit. These courses are at times taught on college campuses, online, or at a high school. Courses are led by college faculty or high school teachers who have been approved to teach college-level courses.

Does Advanced Placement Still Matter to College Admission Officers?

According to Forbes, although 35% of U.S. students took at least one AP exam in 2023, many schools do not offer AP courses. This is primarily due to the lack of opportunities in underprivileged communities. Even some elite private schools have abandoned AP, in part, due to AP’s focus on testing. 

Nevertheless, AP courses and exams are still highly regarded by most colleges and universities, which view them as a lens into a student’s academic ability and potential to succeed in college coursework. With respect to AP grading, your final grade is reported on your high school transcript, along with your other grades. Students who opt to take AP exams must score at least a 3 for college credit at some colleges, while 4s and 5s are widely regarded as a “slam dunk” for ensuring college credit. However, don’t worry if your high school does not offer AP classes. College admissions officers will not expect to see AP courses or exam scores in your application and won’t hold it against you.

It is recommended that students who have taken AP courses take the corresponding AP exams. Failing to do so ends the possibility of earning college credit, reflects poorly on your application, and raises concerns with admissions committees.

If your school doesn’t offer AP classes, you can still take AP exams through a local high school or testing center that provides this service. There are three reasons to take AP exams:

1. To earn college credit.
2. To use exam scores in place of the SAT or ACT.
3. To demonstrate your academic acumen.

How do Admissions Committees View the International Baccalaureate?

A recent webinar invited consultants and university faculty to give their expert opinions on IB. All participants agreed that IB is a liberal arts education with a global perspective. The best thing about it is that it is truly international and a great fit for those who enjoy research and writing. The bottom line is that IB enables students to master rigorous content. “If I see a full IB diploma, they get full approval.” 

One stumbling block, however, is that physics is not available to all students through the IB program; it depends on what the individual school offers. In this case, finding an alternative, such as online courses for college credit, would be a better choice—more on this to come.

What are the Advantages of Dual Enrollment?

Nearly all states allow high school students to enroll in community college or university courses. These courses also apply the credits earned to the students' high school transcripts. Essentially, students enroll in a course twice, earning both high school and college credits for the same course. Some community college faculty offer these courses in high school, while in other cases, the student must travel to the community college campus. Regardless of how these dual enrollment courses are organized, dually enrolled students receive two credits for their work: grades on their high school transcript and the same grades on their college transcript.

What are the key DE advantages?

• School districts can save money by partnering with community colleges.
• Parents save on college tuition because these college credits are transferable to most state universities.
• Students show that they can master the rigor of college-level work.
• Community colleges and 4-year institutions build a pipeline of eligible students.

All of the above make DE appealing on college transcripts. However, there is another path offered by top universities: pre-college online programs for college credit, such as the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program.

Georgetown University College Credit Courses

Interested in achieving college credits through a leading university? The Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program offers a rich array of courses for both enrichment and college credit.

What courses are offered for college credit? There are many, including:

Biology: Delve into cutting-edge discoveries that are redefining our understanding of cell organization and its connection to human diseases. Learn how scientists use advanced microscopy to see - and even feel - cells. Study the language and technology behind these breakthroughs, and earn college credit while you’re still in high school.

Creative Writing: Immerses you in the world of fiction writing. Discover the power of storytelling in this compelling course. You’ll be empowered to craft original narratives through hands-on exercises and peer collaboration. Develop your voice, master essential techniques, and build a portfolio that showcases your skills.

Cybersecurity: Teaches how to investigate cyber threats, delve into AI security protocols, and learn directly from FBI and CISA professionals. Follow the history of digital conflict, analyze data protection strategies, and explore the world of ethical hacking. 

International Relations: Explore how technological advancements, such as AI, and populist movements are shaping global relations. Explore the complex dynamics of politics, economics, and law. Whether you plan to shape international policy or simply understand how our world interconnects, here is your chance to discover your role in the future.

Marketing: Develop the skills needed to succeed in this fast-paced field. Study consumer behavior to develop effective marketing strategies, and measure campaign performance to understand what works and what doesn’t. From social media marketing to brand management, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts driving today’s primarily digital marketplace.

Psychology: Explore how social media shapes our stress levels. Explore the causes of anxiety and depression, and the impact popular culture has on our behavior. In this fascinating course, you’ll also look at the effects of drugs on the brain, the science of learning disabilities, and how psychology influences everything from product design to media consumption.

As noted, all of the above courses are designed for college credit. The advantages of pre-college online programs are that you can take these courses anywhere, anytime that fits your schedule. You will also enjoy the support of teaching assistants (TAs) who answer your questions and provide guidance throughout your learning experience. College credit from Georgetown University on your transcript is a definite positive for admissions committees.

As you can see, there are multiple options for gaining college credit while you’re in high school. The path you choose is up to you, but it is essential to understand that setting yourself apart on your college application is crucial for gaining acceptance to the college of your choice.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 08/29/2025.