Types of Advanced Academic Courses
Advanced/Honors | AP | Dual Credit | OnRamps |
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Click the image below to access the Advanced Academics Night presentation
Advanced Academics includes Advanced Placement (AP) classes, Dual Credit classes, UT OnRamps classes, and the Alamo Academies. Some of these classes and programs require an application process for students to qualify.
Dual Credit students are simultaneously enrolled in their high school classes while also taking college classes through one of the Alamo Colleges. Most, although not all, Dual Credit classes are offered on campus and stacked with AP and Advanced classes so students can take advantage of the AP program as well. Dual Credit students earn college credit by completing their courses with a C average or higher. This credit is transferable to Texas public college/universities and some private.
Please reach out to the Academic Dean and/or Student Success Advisor with any questions about Advanced Academics.
- Bernadette Gonzales, Academic Dean (bernadette.gonzales@nisd.net)
- Sarah Kohn, Student Success Advisor (sarah.kohn@nisd.net)
What’s the Difference? | Dual Credit | Advanced Placement (AP) | UT On Ramps |
# of Courses | Max of 14 dual credit courses, recommend do not exceed 30 college hours to avoid affecting financial aid and students do not exceed 3 Dual courses a year (15 hours/semester) | There are no limits as to how many courses a student can take. | There are no limits as to how many courses a student can take. |
Eligibility | Students must apply and take the TSI (or PSAT exemption) to qualify for Dual Credit courses. | There is no pre-test or application required to qualify to take AP courses. | Must meet course prerequisites |
Earning College Credit | College credit is earned by passing each semester of the high school course (70 or higher). | College credit is earned by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test administered in May. | UT professor awards college grades based on university work and assessments. |
Weighted Points added per Semester when calculating GPA/Class Placement | AP/DC- 8 Points DC Only- 5 Points | 8 Points | 8 Points |
Credit Transfer | College credit is transferable to other universities/colleges. Students should consult with their chosen college/university to inquire about transferability. | University determines course equivalency. AP scores of 3 or higher may qualify students for college credit nationwide. Each university determines score to course equivalency. | College credit is transferable to other universities/colleges. Students should consult with their chosen college/university to inquire about transferability. |
2023-2024 AP Exam Schedule
WEEK 1 | |
| Monday May 6th | 8:00 a.m. US Government and Politics 12:00 p.m. Chemistry |
| Tuesday May 7th | 8:00 a.m. Human Geography |
| Wednesday May 8th | 8:00 a.m. English Literature and Composition |
| Thursday May 9th | 8:00 a.m. Environmental Science 12:00 p.m. Psychology |
| Friday May 10th | 8:00 a.m. United States History Art 2D, 3D, and Drawing Submission Deadline |
WEEK 2 | |
| Monday May 13th | 8:00 a.m. Calculus AB |
| Tuesday May 14th | 8:00 a.m. English Language and Composition |
| Wednesday May 15th | 8:00 a.m. World History 12:00 p.m. Music Theory |
| Thursday May 16th | 8:00 a.m. Spanish Language and Culture 12:00 p.m. Biology |
| Friday May 17th | 8:00 a.m. Physics 1 12:00 p.m. Physics 2 |
Warren HS Advanced Placement Courses
Freshman:
- Human Geography AP
- Spanish Language AP
- Music Theory AP
- Drawing AP
- Art 2-D AP
- Art 3-D AP
Sophomores:
- World History AP
- Environmental Science AP
- Psychology AP
- Biology AP
- Spanish Language AP
- Music Theory AP
- Drawing AP
- Art 2-D AP
- Art 3-D AP
Juniors:
- United States History AP
- English Language and Composition AP
- Physics 1 AP
- Environmental Science AP
- Psychology AP
- Biology AP
- Spanish Language AP
- Music Theory AP
- Drawing AP
- Art 2-D AP
- Art 3-D AP
Seniors:
- United States Government and Politics AP
- Macroeconomics AP
- English Literature and Composition AP
- Calculus AB AP
- Physics 1 AP
- Physics 2 AP
- Environmental Science AP
- Psychology AP
- Biology AP
- Spanish Language AP
- Music Theory AP
- Drawing AP
- Art 2-D AP
- Art 3-D AP
Dual Credit Application Process/Deadlines
| Application Steps | Due Date | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit Apply Texas Application | February 23, 2024 |
| 2 | Email ( or Print and Turn in) your Official PSAT Score Report from College Board | March 8, 2024 |
| 3 | Dual Credit Student Orientation Including Alamo ENROLL modules (Go FAARR and TSI Test Prep) | March 28, 2024 |
| 4 | Register for the TSI Test. | 2 Days Before TSI Testing Day |
| 5 | Take the TSI Test Warren Testing Dates | February 29th, March 21st, and April 4th |
| 6 | Register for your Dual Credit courses. | When you meet with your counselor to choose courses. |
Questions about Dual Credit? Contact: sarah.kohn@nisd.net
What is Dual Credit?
Dual Credit at Northwest Vista
Dual credit classes are classes that you take in high school that also give you college credits in the state of Texas at the same time. This is a great opportunity for you because the dual credit program is completely free of charge! You could graduate from high school with up to 30 hours of college credit before even stepping onto a college campus! (That's one entire year already completed)!
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 February. (Apply Texas is the first step in the process). Please know that it is a lengthy process with multiple due dates. Northwest Vista College offers no exceptions for students that do not meet all deadlines. Luckily, if you follow the instructions below, you should be able to navigate the entire process easily; just make sure you do not wait until the last minute! Each deadline builds upon the previous deadline which is why missing any step ends your chance at taking Dual Credit courses for the next year.
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?
- 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.
- It gets many prerequisites out of the way.
- Students take on the responsibilities of being a college student, potentially easing the transition from high school to college.
Dual Credit Helpful Links:
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; for example, English Three AP Dual at Clark is ENGL 1301 and 1302 at NVC.
Dual Credit Checklist ✓
In order to be eligible for Dual Credit, you must meet each of these deadlines. For any questions contact Mrs. Kohn (A114) or Mrs. Wade (counseling office).
✓ Step 1:
Apply for Admission
Deadline: February 23rd, 2024
Go to goapplytexas.org and complete the Apply Texas Online Application. You must forward the "Application ID #" email to sarah.kohn@nisd.net to complete this step. Include your S# and graduation year in the email. Once application is processed, you will receive emails - one from ApplyTexas and three from Alamo Colleges. The first email from Alamo Colleges will include instructions and information for ACES and AlamoENROLL START HERE tab.
✓ Step 2:
Print or download your official PSAT Score Report from College Board.
Deadline: March 8th. 2024
Turn it in to Mrs. Kohn in A114 or email it to sarah.kohn@nisd.net Make sure to include your "S number" as a part of the subject line.
✓ Step 3:
Dual Credit Student Orientation Including Alamo ENROLL modules (Go FAARR and TSI Test Prep)
Deadline: March 28th, 2024
Once you have received your email from Alamo Colleges with your ACES information, go to aces.alamo.edu. Log into ACES and find the START HERE tab at the top of the page. If you haven't received this information and applied at least two weeks previously, go see Mrs. Kohn (A114) or Mrs. Wade (Counseling office). Click on each ENROLL button to access the GO FAAR and Test Prep modules.
✓ Step 4:
Register for the TSI Test with Ms. Smith in the counseling office.
Deadline: 2 days prior to TSI test date
If you were TSI exempt from your PSAT, you do not need to do this step. Once you
have completed the first three steps, you can register for the TSI test. It is $14 in cash
or check made out to Earl Warren High School.
✓ Step 5:
Take the TSI. Testing dates at Warren: Feb 29th, Mar 21st, and April 4th
Deadline: May 17th
If you were TSI exempt from your PSAT, you do not need to do this step.
✓ Step 6:
Register for your Dual Credit courses.
When you meet with your counselor to choose courses, be sure to let them know
which dual credit classes you want to take.
Warren HS Dual Credit Course Offerings
| WHS COURSE NAME | COLLEGE COURSE NAME | TYPE | CREDIT HR |
ENGLISH | |||
| English 3 AP/D | ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 | Fall + Spring | 6 |
| English 4 AP/D | ENGL 2332 and ENGL 2333 | Fall + Spring | 6 |
| Eng 4 H/D | ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 | Fall + Spring | 6 |
HISTORY | |||
| US History AP/D | HIST 1301 and HIST 1302 | Fall + Spring | 6 |
SCIENCE | |||
| Biology AP/D | BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407 | Fall + Spring | 8 |
| Environmental Science AP/D | BIOL 2406 | Year Long | 4 |
MATH | |||
| College Algebra Dual | MATH 1414 | Year Long | 4 |
| Advanced Pre Calculus Dual | MATH 1414 | Fall | 4 |
| MATH 2413 | Spring | 4 | |
| Calculus AB AP Dual | MATH 2413 | Year Long | 8 |
ART | |||
| Art Appreciation Dual | Arts 1304 | Year Long | 3 |
CONSTRUCTION | |||
| Construction Tech I Dual | CNBT 1311 Const. Methods & Materials | Fall | 3 |
| CNBT 1416 Const. Tech I | Spring | 4 | |
| Construction Tech II Dual (Starting 24-25) | CNBT 1450 Const. Tech II | Fall | 4 |
| CNBT 1453 Const. Tech III | Spring | 4 | |
OnRamps students are simultaneously enrolled in their high school classes while also taking college classes through UT Austin.
The high school teacher is responsible for evaluating and awarding the student's high school grade. The college instructor is responsible for evaluating and awarding the student's college grade.
Based on the grade received in the college course, students can accept college credit transferable to Texas public colleges/universities.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Information
Understanding TSI and College Readiness:
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a legislatively mandated program designed to guide Texas public institutions of higher education in helping determine whether entering, non-exempt students are ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics. Students are exempt from this program if they meet college readiness benchmarks on the SAT, ACT, STAAR English III or Algebra II EOCs, successfully complete the high school College Preparatory Course, among other ways (click here for a complete list of TSI exemptions).
Entering students who do not meet a TSI exemption will need to take the TSI assessment. Students who do not meet one or more of the established benchmarks of the TSI assessment are required to receive developmental education academic support as determined by the institution.
TSI Warren Campus Information:
View the list of acceptable ways to be exempt from taking the TSI. All proof must be submitted to Ms. Sarah Kohn and official copies sent to NVC prior to TSI test date.
Students can create an Accuplacer account and then utilize the numerous resources available including practice tests. There will be a Math section on the test as well as a Reading section and an Essay. For a detailed explanation of the TSI test, visit the Accuplacer pre-assessment and practice resources webpage.
What is the TSIA 2 and do I have to take it?
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses in the areas of reading, writing, and math.
What do I have to score on the TSIA 2 to be eligible for Dual Credit?
| ELAR Placement | Math Placement |
Passing: 945 or higher OR Diagnostic Level 5 or higher and Essay of 5 or higher | Passing: 950 or higher OR Diagnostic Level 6 or higher |
English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) Section - 30 items
Essay - Persuasive (350-600 words) | Mathematics (MATH) Section - 20 items
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Can I receive a TSIA 2 Waiver?
Students must score the following in order to be exempt from taking the TSI.
| ELAR Waiver | Math Waiver |
| PSAT score of 460 or higher | PSAT score of 510 or higher |
TSI Resources:
- Texas Success Initiative (TSI) College Board
- TSI at Northwest Vista
- Practice for TSI Accuplacer - College Board (Includes a Study App)
- Prepare for TSI Accuplacer- College Board
- NVC ELAR Practice Questions
- NVC Math Practice Questions
- NVC Essay Practice Questions
- TSIA2 Learning Resources- Click Enter Student Site to Begin
