Most credits earned in high school?

Hey y'all, I am a bit curious here. I've been trying to take as many AP and dual enrollment classes as I can and I was wondering, what's the max amount of credits one can typically earn in high school? What's the record you've seen or heard of? I'd be grateful for any insight you may have!

The exact number of credits a high school student can earn can vary quite a bit from school to school, as different educational systems and curricula have different credit structures. That being said, your high school may have a set number of credits required for graduation that lie in a range from around 18 to 26, but opportunities for additional credits through AP or dual enrollment courses can expand that number.

AP classes generally equate to 1 high school credit each, as do most high school classes, but this may change if your school uses a semester-based schedule where each class is worth 0.5 credits. Dual enrollment classes typically equate to the high school class equivalent plus potential college credits. However, not all universities accept these credits, and your high school may set a limit on how many you can apply towards graduation requirements.

The most credits a student can earn depends heavily on their school's requirements, their personal schedule, and their dedication to taking a high course load. For example, if the student takes a full course load each year of high school, including summers, and maximizes dual enrollment opportunities, they could feasibly graduate with 30-40+ high school credits. It’s a substantial workload and requires careful time management, but many students find it rewarding and a great preparation for the rigors of college academics.

That being said, an important reminder is that while pursuing a high number of AP or dual-enrollment classes can be advantageous, balancing academic rigor with personal interests and self-care is crucial. Quality over quantity in terms of course rigor and crafting a well-rounded high school experience often means more to colleges than just loading up on credits.