Kassidy Wilkinson

Students at the sophomore and junior levels face the decision of taking advanced placement (AP), Austin Community College (ACC) or on-level courses. Those who take ACC classes will be able to receive college credit for Texas colleges and out-of-state colleges if they pass the class with a 70 or higher. Students in AP classes only receive college credit if they pass the AP test at the end of the year. “In general, you are going to be dealing with very difficult course work for both options,” Campos said. “However, if you like the idea of a final test to determine whether you receive college credit rather than grinding for a passing grade in a college course then choose AP, and if not, I’d highly recommend ACC. I’d also say if you are looking for a different high school experience then choosing ACC will definitely provide that.”

Every year, near the beginning of February, course selections for the next school year take place and students have to make important decisions. During this time, they decide if they want to take biology or chemistry, art or choir. They also begin making plans for their future.

Sophomore and junior students face the decision of taking advanced placement (AP), Austin Community College (ACC) or on-level courses. Those who take ACC classes will be able to receive college credit for Texas colleges and out-of-state colleges if they pass the class with a 70 or higher. Students in AP classes only receive college credit if they pass the AP test at the end of the year.

“AP classes are stressful at times due to their fast pace and constant testing,” junior Ali Cooper said. “[However], they give colleges the insight in[to] my ability to push myself, which is something they look for in their evaluation.”

Junior Alani Reed took Human Geography AP and ACC U.S. History II at the same time last semester and was able to see how both classes compared to each other.

“I think ACC is easier,” Reed said. “The teachers are more advanced and know how to teach better. There is more work, but it’s not necessarily harder. [In] AP [classes] there is still a lot of work but it is harder.”

ACC only holds classes Monday through Thursday. This gives the students involved in the dual-credit program an off-period every Friday.

“ACC courses are not easy,” senior Julian Campos said. “But if you are paying attention, taking notes, completing your work on time, and showing up to lectures it is usually pretty straightforward.”

Instead of teachers from the high school, the ACC dual credit program brings professors from the ACC campus to teach the high school students. Campos is involved in both ACC classes and AP classes, and says the biggest difference between AP and ACC courses are the professors.

“The [better] experience in ACC is mostly due to the professors,” Campos said. “The professors have a lot more freedom on what topics they can discuss. As a student, this made me feel a lot more confident in my learning.”

The professors at ACC are in charge of guiding the classroom dynamics. This creates a different setting than the traditional classroom environment in an on-level or AP class, according to Campos.

“I have been in many lectures where students straight up leave the room, or take a nap,” Campos said. “And I have had many lectures where the whole class is laughing solely from the professors messing around.”

For the most part, the curriculum for both English ACC and the AP English course offered by the school are the same, according to Campos. No matter which path a student takes, they will learn the same material.

“In general, you are going to be dealing with very difficult course work for both options,” Campos said. “However, if you like the idea of a final test to determine whether you receive college credit rather than grinding for a passing grade in a college course then choose AP, and if not, I’d highly recommend ACC. I’d also say if you are looking for a different high school experience then choosing ACC will definitely provide that.”