Advanced Placement and Dual Credit Comparison
In an opportunity-rich school district, FISD students have the opportunity to self-examine their learning styles, unique strengths and weaknesses, and determine if and how they feel earning college credit during high school fits within their four-year graduation plans.
Dual credit and AP courses give high school students an introduction to the rigors of college-level learning. Both options allow students the opportunity to gain college credit while in high school, which facilitates graduating with less debt and finishing their degree faster.
Successfully completing a college-level course gives students confidence that they can be successful in college. However, many students have barriers, such as cost and the belief that they can do it. High school is the perfect place for students to try and build confidence that they will succeed in college.
Frisco ISD’s emphasis on access to college credits during high school supports the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s four strategic 2030 goals.
Comparison Chart
Advanced Placement: Students take college-level courses and participate in a cumulative exam to potentially earn college credit while still in high school.
Collin College Dual Credit: Students enroll in college classes and simultaneously earn high school and college credit.
UNT Now! Dual Credit: Students enroll in a project-based dual credit curriculum where all courses gain grades within a project.
| Advanced Placement | Collin College Dual Credit | UNT Now! Dual Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FISD GPA & Rank | 6.0 GPA scale | 5.5 GPA scale 6.0 GPA scale (beginning with Class of 2030) | 5.5 GPA scale 6.0 GPA scale (beginning with Class of 2030) |
| Eligibility | Any student may enroll. | Students must complete the college's admission process and pass or be exempt from the Texas Success Initiative Assessment. | Students must complete the university's admission process and pass or be exempt from the Texas Success Initiative Assessment. |
| College Credit | College credit is based on the results of a single test taken at the end of the course. | College credit is awarded when the student passes the course with 60 or higher. | College credit is awarded when the student passes the course with a 70% or higher. |
| High School Credit | Awarded with a passing score of at least 70%. | Awarded with a passing score of at least 70%. Some programs require 75% for credit. | Awarded with a passing score of at least 70%. |
| Educators | Taught by specially trained high school teachers using a curriculum approved by the College Board. | Taught by specially trained FISD teachers or a professor with at least 18 credits in area of study, although most have master's degrees. | Professor has 18 credits in area of study; many have Ph.D.s and/or master’s degrees. |
| Curriculum/Grading/Attendance | Curriculum approved by the College Board and FISD. Grading and attendance guidelines set forth by FISD/TEA policy. | Curriculum, instructional materials and content, grading, and attendance policies are at the professors’ discretion and not under the purview of Frisco ISD. | Curriculum, instructional materials and content, grading, and attendance policies are at the professors’ discretion and not under the purview of Frisco ISD. |
| College/University Acceptance Research the college or university directly for their academic requirements. | Accepted throughout the nation. Requires at least a score of 3 or higher; however, some universities require a higher score. Use this tool to find colleges that offer credit for AP scores. | Accepted at public colleges and universities in Texas and many private institutions. Most colleges do not accept transfers below 70. Use this tool to learn more. | All Texas schools accept Texas Core. UNT is a Tier 1 University. However, it may not align with the student’s planned major. Use this tool to learn more. |
| Location | Taught at an FISD high school. | Depending on the course, it is taught at a high school, college or online. | Taught at UNT Frisco. |
| Cost | AP courses are free. Students must register and pay for each AP exam. The majority of AP exams cost $98, although discounts are available for students who qualify for the free/reduced meal program. More info HERE. | The course has a $201 fee, although discounts are available for students who qualify for the free/reduced meal program. Payment plans are available. | The course has a $225 fee. Payment plans are available. |
| Accommodations | All 504 and special education accommodations automatically apply in class. A separate SSD form must be submitted for AP exam accommodations. | Special education and 504 accommodations are organized through a collaborative effort with the ISD and college. Students opt in to accommodations through an aligned process. | Special education and 504 accommodations are organized through a collaborative effort with the ISD and College. Students opt in to accommodations through an aligned process. |
| Textbooks | Free | Must purchase, typically under $100 | Must purchase, typically under $100 |