What's the most straightforward path to earn college credits while still in high school?

Hey everyone, I'm a rising junior in high school, and I'm really trying to be strategic about my view on college. If anyone has advice on the most efficient or 'easiest' ways to earn college credits before I even hit campus, it would be appreciated. AP, IB, dual enrollment, which one gives the most bang for the buck? Thanks!

There are quite a few ways through which you can earn college credits while still in high school, and the strategy to select would typically depend on your particular academic strengths and availability of resources.

AP (Advance Placement) courses are one popular method of earning college credits in high school. AP courses are available in more than 35 subjects, and you can choose the ones that closely align with your academic interests or prospective college major. Achieving a high score (typically a 4 or 5) on an AP exam can translate into college credits in many universities across the U.S.

Dual enrollment programs are another method to consider. Dual enrollment allows you to take college-level courses for credit while still in high school. Like AP classes, dual enrollment courses can earn you high school and college credits simultaneously. One substantial benefit of dual enrollment is that your grade in the class is typically what is counted for college credit, not a single high-stakes test at the end (like the AP test).

You also mentioned IB (International Baccalaureate) courses as another option. Like AP classes, IB courses are rigorous, college-level classes that allow students to potentially earn college credit, based on their performance on exams at the end of the course. If you're at a school that offers the IB program, these courses can also be an excellent way to earn college credits.

The "bang for your buck" generally comes down to your school district's policies and the colleges you're targeting. For instance, some districts cover the cost of AP exams or dual enrollment programs - if one of those options has the cost covered, it will likely be the most cost-effective choice for you.

However, it's important to research how AP, IB, and dual enrollment credits are accepted at your chosen colleges as each college may have specific rules and requirements. If your goal is specifically to earn college credit, you don't want to invest time, energy, and potentially money into a course that won't give you credit at the schools you're interested in.

For AP courses specifically, the College Board has a tool that can help you determine whether the schools you're interested in accept APs for credit, and, if so, which score you'd need: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies/. For dual enrollment and IB, I'd recommend reaching out directly to each school's admissions office.

Finally, keep in mind that while earning college credits in high school shows great initiative, balance is necessary. It's crucial you leave yourself time to be a high school student and involve yourself in extracurricular activities, like leadership roles, volunteer work, and internships, so that you can showcase a well-rounded profile to colleges. Good luck with your future endeavors!