When choosing courses to take students are faced with decisions that fit into three categories; ACC, AP, or on-level.

ACC

Taking ACC courses allows students to receive dual credit, earning credit at the high school and college level for the course. While these classes don’t affect the student’s GPA, they are a permanent part of the student’s college transcript.

“The biggest factor that students should consider before taking ACC is the realization that it’s creating a college transcript,” ACC transition coordinator Kim Adcock said. “College transcripts are never erased, it stays with you forever. They’re always used to get a job.”

Part of the advantage of ACC classes is that they are offered on campus, during either first or last period every week day, except Friday. The college classes still meet during student holidays or half days, and follow the ACC schedule as opposed to the LISD schedule.

Students also have the option take ACC classes at one of the community college’s campuses after school or on the weekends. ACC also offers some classes online that allows the students to take the class at home on their own time.

“I took an AP class my sophomore year, World History, and I hated it,” senior Zoe Otey said. “I wanted to try ACC and still get college credit. It’s a lot more like college then an AP class. It’s not as rigorous but there isn’t as much homework which reflects how college classes go.”

ACC classes have a passing rate of 70 percent to 80 percent, meaning at least one-fifth of students fail to pass the class. Failing not only affects a student’s college transcript, it also affects receiving high school credit to graduate.

“The biggest challenge is learning how to prep for college level exams where more out of class study time is necessary,” Adcock said. “Because most students who qualify to take ACC are bright, and haven’t had to study a lot to be successful in high school, whereas in college level courses more study time is required.”

AP

Advanced placement courses allow students to get high school credit while boosting their GPA by 10 points. The courses are free, not including the cost of the optional test at the course’s completion.

“I took AP classes to give myself more of a challenge,” senior Dominic Galvan said. “That way I don’t become complacent with my work load. I felt ACC was overbearing; AP was geared more towards learning as opposed to objectives. AP is more advanced.”

When colleges are going through the admissions process they consider the course rigor the students have taken. AP classes show the student can be successful at the college level. Along with the work, scoring at least a 3 on the AP test can potentially earn the student credit for the class in college.

“The biggest things to consider before taking an AP class is ‘Do you have the work ethic?’ ” Dean of Instruction Stephanie Chisholm said. “You have to be prepared to study and spend time out of class. If you are driven and determination, you can do it.”

A 2008 study by Linda Hargrove, Donn Godin and Barbara Dodd, “College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences” found that in general students who take on AP courses in high school are significantly more likely to complete their bachelor’s degree in four years.

“Taking an AP class makes you more prepared for college,” Chisholm said. “It makes you become more college and career ready. It gives you a GPA boost and if you are aiming for the top 10 that’s really helpful. The challenge of the course really makes you think.”

On-Level

If students choose not to take an advanced class, whether it is AP or an ACC course, they must take an on-level class. These courses are easier and at a more manageable rigor. The work load is less than that of an advanced course, and there are no consequences that will follow you to college.

“I am just as prepared and a lot less stressed,” senior Donald Robinson said. “We don’t have a lot of assignments to do and there’s a lot of interesting people.”

On level courses cover the basic four core subjects. They can be taken at any time by any student and do not require a prerequisite.

“Sometimes on level is a great challenge for some students,” Dean of Instruction Stephanie Chisholm said. “We have great teachers on every level and you can learn in any course if you put effort in. sometimes a student is good at social studies and English but not in math and science so they’ll take an on-level chemistry class and it’s a challenge for them. Take advantage of all the classes we offer.”

The downside to taking an on-level course is that it only counts for high school credit. Taking an on-level course doesn’t provide an opportunity to transfer the credit to college. The credit will only count toward the student’s high school diploma.

“You have to choose your challenge,” Chisholm said. “Push yourself to take the hardest classes you can. Don’t take the easy way out. You can graduate high school on-level and go to a four year college. You just need to pass your class and work hard.”