Dual Credit Programs

How Do I Get Into Dual Credit?

In order to be eligible for Dual Credit courses, students must go through the application process, meeting ALL deadlines and requirements. It begins in November each school year. So, to take Dual classes in their Junior year, a student must begin the application process during their Sophomore year. The application opens up by November annually with the Apply Texas Application deadline being in March. (Apply Texas is the first step in the process). Please know that it is a lengthy process with multiple due dates. 

How is Dual Credit different from AP?

• In Dual Credit Classes, college credit is earned upon completion of the class with a grade of "C" or higher (no additional test)
• In an Advance Placement (AP) class, college credit is not earned until a student takes and achieves a certain score on an AP test.
• AP Credit is not automatically transmitted on the college transcript: students must follow through with the admission procedure to have the credit posted on the college transcript.
• An AP course grade does not appear on a student's permanent college transcript.
• Dual Credit courses generally transfer to most Texas Public Universities (always check with the school, you want to attend about transfer credits)
• AP Scores are accepted at most colleges and universities across the Nation (qualifying scores may differ)

How does Dual Credit work?

• Students earn two sets of grades:
  • one for the college which will be calculated into the overall college GPA and automatically transmitted on the college transcript
  • one for the high school which will be calculated into the high school GPA and transmitted on the high school transcript
• DC courses are designed off a college curriculum and taught by high school teachers approved and hired as adjunct college instructors.
• If the student does not qualify for DC, they can still be enrolled in the course but can only earn AP credit

What are the advantages of Dual Credit?

1. It saves money! Students can earn up to fourteen courses of college credit at no cost. It reduces the cost of tuition and textbooks resulting in thousands of dollars in savings.
2. It gets many prerequisites out of the way.
3. Students take on the responsibilities of being a college student, potentially easing the transition from high school to college.

Who should take Dual Credit?

• The Dual Credit Program is designed for high school juniors and seniors (and some sophomores) seeking to get a jump on their college careers.
• Students who have test scores that indicate they are ready to enter the program and who feel comfortable doing college-level work should consider Dual Credit.
• Students are allowed to take up to 15 college hours per semester of Dual courses.
• Students can take up to 14 total courses in High School for Dual Credit! (Some classes count as two courses though)