ADVANCED PLACEMENT

DUAL CREDIT

DESCRIPTION

AP courses allow high school students to take college-level classes. Students can potentially earn college credit by passing AP exams with a 3, 4, or 5.

Dual credit courses allow high school students to concurrently earn both college credit and high school credit for a single class by meeting the course passing standards. To earn both college and high school credit, the students must earn a score of 70 or above.

CREDIT

High school credit is earned by successfully passing the course with a minimum grade of 70. Most colleges offer college credit and/or placement for qualifying AP exam scores (a score of a 3, 4, or 5).

Both high school and college credit are awarded when students pass the dual credit course with a grade of 70 or above. The college determines the number of college credit hours awarded.

TEACHERS & LOCATION

AP courses are taught by high school teachers trained by the College Board.

Dual credit courses are taught by college professors at Victoria College, online, or in some instances, high school teachers on the high school campus who have been credentialed by Victoria College.

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCE

AP scores are accepted for college credit nationwide. However, credit policies vary by college so students should verify individual requirements.

Dual Credit hours transfer to public colleges and universities in Texas. Students should verify transfer policies.

ACADEMIC RIGOR

Standardized AP curriculum is set by the College Board, which reviews and approves course syllabi.

Course syllabi undergo review and approval by specific academic departments at Victoria College.

COST

Instruction and materials are provided to the student free of charge. Students may be required to pay the exam fees.

Instruction and materials are provided to qualifying students (as defined by Texas HB8) free of charge. Scholarships may be available to students not qualifying under HB8. Students should inquire about Dual Credit scholarships in the College and Career Center on their campus.

HIGH SCHOOL GPA IMPACT

Rigorous college-level curriculum earns weighted grades based on VISD policies.

Challenging college-level content receives weighted grades per district standards.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT IMPACT

Individual colleges and universities evaluate AP scores for credit based on their institutional policies. Students are able to select which AP scores are reported to colleges and are able to decide which credit hours to accept once enrolled in the college or university.

Partner colleges permanently record grades on transcripts. Students must submit all transcripts when applying to any college, since failing marks cannot be removed.

ELIGIBILITY

AP courses are open to all students, though some APs have suggested prerequisite courses to prepare. Students should be ready for college-level curriculum.

Students must meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) criteria (minimum scores on SAT, ACT, or TSIA2) and submit a college application to qualify.

POLICIES & REGULATIONS

VISD policies and regulations are applied to all AP students.

Victoria College policies and regulations apply to Dual Credit students.

LENGTH OF COURSE

With the exception of AP Economics and AP Government, AP course content is spread across two semesters. The overall course average is determined by averaging the first semester grade and the second semester grade.

Dual Credit coursework is completed in one semester.