AP Classes vs. Dual Enrollment - which looks better?

I'm trying to decide between taking AP classes at my high school or dual enrolling at a nearby college. Which one is more impressive to college admissions officers? Would doing both be overkill?

Both AP classes and dual enrollment courses can be valuable experiences that show colleges your readiness for advanced coursework, but the best choice depends on your individual goals and circumstances. AP classes tend to be more universally recognized and can earn you college credit if you score well on the AP exams. They're also typically more structured, with a set curriculum that's the same at every high school. On the other hand, dual enrollment courses often provide a more accurate reflection of the college experience and might prepare you better for the rigors of university-level coursework.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you think will work best for you. If you prefer a structured approach and want to earn college credit through standardized exams, AP classes might be a better fit. However, if you're eager to experience college courses firsthand and possibly create relationships with college professors before even finishing high school, dual enrollment could be more suitable. You can also consider doing a mix of both, tailoring your course selection to your specific interests and strengths.

No matter your choice, neither will be considered 'overkill' as long as your performance is strong regardless of your choice. Colleges appreciate students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, and either AP or dual enrollment classes (or both!) can showcase your academic abilities.

For more information on how college admissions officers view AP vs. dual enrollment courses, you can read CollegeVine's blog post on the topic here: https://blog.collegevine.com/ap-vs-dual-enrollment