AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment classes are advanced courses that are offered in high schools and are designed to provide students with the opportunity to take college-level classes and (possibly) earn college credit while still in high school.

AP (Advanced Placement) classes are created by the College Board and offer high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses in a variety of subjects, such as English, math, science, and social studies. AP classes culminate in an AP exam, and students who score well on the exam may be able to earn college credit or advanced placement in college courses.

Because AP courses all include the same material (students across the nation are sitting for the same exam), colleges appreciate the standardization and understand the mastery needed to score well on the exams. It is why most colleges, whether public or private, will give credit for high scores on these exams.

IB (International Baccalaureate) classes are part of the larger IB program, which is offered in many high schools and is recognized by universities around the world. Students who complete the IB program may be able to earn college credit or advanced placement in college courses. Students applying to international colleges, in particular, may want to look into taking IB classwork, though it is not offered as widely as AP classes.

Dual Enrollment classes are courses that are offered by a college or university and are taken by high school students. These courses can be taken on the college campus, online, or at the high school (and may even be taught by a high school teacher). Dual Enrollment classes can allow high school students to earn college credits while still in high school and can provide a taste of college-level coursework.

While in-state public institutions may be required to accept DE credits from area colleges, many out of state publics and private colleges (particularly selective ones) may not award credits for these classes. The level of rigor and the material covered in these classes varies widely from school to school and there is no standardized culminating exam.

In all cases, taking advanced classes in high school can be beneficial, providing a more challenging academic experience, helping students develop college-level skills and knowledge, and providing a head start on their college coursework. Colleges want to see students challenging themselves, so take advantage of what the high school offers whenever appropriate.