Advanced Placement (AP)

Dual Credit (DC)

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Dual Enrollment (DE)

Description

The AP program allows students to take college-level courses and exams to potentially earn college credit while still in high school.

DC allows high school students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit by completing courses at their high school.

The IB program allows high school students to take college-level courses and exams to potentially earn an international diploma and college credit while still in high school.

DE allows high school students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit by completing courses at their high school in conjunction with an online platform provided by the University of Texas at Austin.

Credit

College credit is awarded based on the score the student receives on the AP exam. Public schools in Texas must award credit for a score of 3 or better, and no school will award credit for a score lower than 3.

Credit is awarded when the student passes the course with a 70% or better. The student will receive high school credit (usually 1.0) and college hours (usually 3-4 per semester).

College credit is awarded based on the score the student receives on IB coursework and exams. Public schools in Texas must award any student making a 4 or higher rating in all six subject areas a minimum of 24 hours.

The SCUC teacher awards high school credit if the student passes the course with a 70% or better.  The faculty of UT Austin awards college credit (usually 3 per semester or year depending upon discipline) if the student earns a D- or better in the college portion of the course.

Teachers/Instructors

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

DC courses are taught by college instructors and/or high school teachers qualified to serve as adjunct professors.

IB courses are taught by high school teachers trained by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

DE courses are taught by high school teachers who are trained by the University of Texas at Austin. UT faculty have ongoing instructional oversight throughout the course. 

College and University Acceptance

AP scores are accepted throughout the nation. However, students should note individual college and university requirements for credit may vary. Students should check with each school’s policy.

DC hours are accepted at public colleges and universities in Texas. Other colleges and universities MAY accept the hours, but students should check with each school’s policy.

IB scores are accepted internationally as well as throughout the nation. However, students should note individual college and university requirements may vary. Students should check with each school’s policy.

DE hours are accepted at public colleges and universities in Texas. Other colleges and universities MAY accept the hours, but students should check with each school’s policy.

Location

AP courses are taught at the high school.

DC courses are taught at the high school.

IB courses are taught at the high school.

DE courses are taught at the high school.

Rigor

College Level Rigor - AP courses are standardized and controlled by College Board.

College Level Rigor - DC course syllabi are approved by individual departments at Alamo Colleges.

College Level Rigor-    IB courses are standardized internationally and controlled by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

College Level Rigor - DE courses provide an opportunity for students to experience courses exactly as they would receive instruction at the UT Austin campus. Course syllabi are controlled by UT Austin. 

Cost

$93 per exam; $13 free/reduced lunch

Free of charge

$93 per exam; $13 free/reduced lunch

Free of charge

Textbooks

Textbooks are provided by the school district.

Textbooks are provided by the school district.

Textbooks are provided by the school district.

Curriculum and instructional resources are provided by UT Austin.

Impact on High

School GPA

AP courses are weighted 12 points per semester on the GPA, not the individual course grade.

DC courses are weighted 10 points per semester on the GPA, not the individual course grade.

IB courses are weighted 12 points per semester on the GPA, not the individual course grade.

DE courses are weighted 10 points per semester on the GPA, not the individual course grade.

Research shows that students who participate and are successful in AP, IB, and/or DC courses increase the likelihood of success in college (I.E. maintain a passing average and earn a degree). Advanced academics also earn students additional points in their GPA at the end of each successful semester. Students and parents should note, however, that AP, IB, DE,and DC courses may require an additional time commitment because of the college-level rigor.