{"id":331,"date":"2025-09-02T19:56:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T19:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/good-worldwide.go-vip.net\/upworthy\/2025\/09\/02\/dual-enrollment-vs-ap-classes\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T19:56:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T19:56:00","slug":"dual-enrollment-vs-ap-classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodinc.com\/qa-upworthy\/2025\/09\/02\/dual-enrollment-vs-ap-classes\/","title":{"rendered":"Dad swears by this money-saving alternative to ‘stressful’ AP classes"},"content":{"rendered":"

On paper, AP classes<\/u><\/a>, aka Advanced Placement courses<\/u><\/a>, seem like a great opportunity to help teens<\/u><\/a> get ahead. They get an early taste of college<\/u><\/a>-level curriculum while earning college credit before high school ends, and therefore get advanced placement once actual college<\/u><\/a> rolls around. <\/p>

But one dad argues that in reality, they are a waste of time and money, and suggests a rather brilliant alternative:<\/p>

\u201cIf you have a kid in high school, I’m going to tell you right now, do not put your kid in AP classes,\u201d began content creator \u201cImperfect Dad<\/u><\/a>\u201d in a now-viral clip posted to TikTok.<\/p>

@imperfectdad__<\/a> Save money on college, do dual enrollment not AP classes #college<\/a> #money<\/a> \u266c original sound – ImperfectDad | Husband | Life<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <\/div>

\u201cIt’s going to be a complete waste of their time, and you’re going to stress them out for no reason,\u201d he continued.<\/p>

His advice? Instead, opt for dual enrollment at a nearby college. <\/p>

While most high schools don\u2019t advertise this option as much as they would for AP classes, Imperfect Dad explained that, \u201cYour high school probably has a dual enrollment program with your local community college, meaning your kid can take college-level classes, and they will actually take over for some of their high school classes.\u201d<\/p>

There are a few advantages to this method, Imperfect Dad argues. One, there\u2019s far less pressure than with AP classes (which many experts and AP survivors can attest to). Two, not every college accepts AP classes for credit, making the pressure even more unnecessary. Three, the amount of time and money saved is, as Imperfect Dad put it, \u201cimmeasurable.\u201d<\/p>

@imperfectdad__<\/a> Replying to @Erik Alvarez some of them were stressed! #college<\/a> \u266c original sound – ImperfectDad | Husband | Life<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <\/div>


<\/p>

He of course speaks from experience, as he initiated this strategy with his own daughter. In lieu of AP classes, she did dual enrollment, only attending one class, and racking up so many credits that now, one semester later, she\u2019s starting her FIRST day of college as a junior. <\/p>

\u201cThis first semester, she has one class. It’s like a 2000-level class. And then everything else is right toward her major. You’re going to save yourself a lot of money. Do the dual enrollment classes. Skip AP completely. Don’t even bother,\u201d Imperfect Dad concluded. <\/p>

Down in the comments, thousands were inclined to agree. Many of whom chose this path and reaped the benefits. <\/p>

\u201cAs an AP teacher\u2026..this is pretty much true,\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI did this. Got into UCLA and now have a Doctorate in Pharmacy,\u201d<\/p>

\u201cMy son is doing dual enrollment and graduating with an Associates and an HS diploma!\u201d<\/p>

There were also plenty of folks who shared their own horror stories of taking AP classes and now wishing they hadn\u2019t. <\/p>

\u201cI took 6 AP classes in high school and not a single credit applied to my college transcript.”<\/p>

However, as useful as dual enrollment can be, it\u2019s worth knowing some of the disadvantages<\/u><\/a> as well. For example, some private and out-of-state colleges might be more stringent in their transfer policies, so it still behooves students to check. Second, if a student does not do well in a dual enrollment class, that grade will travel with them throughout their college career. Third, there might be some difficult travel logistics to contend with, depending on where the nearby community college is. Fourth, not every high school offers dual enrollment. <\/p>

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