AP and Dual-enrollment courses
Advanced Placement and college credit opportunities
Gates Chili High School offers multiple pathways for students to challenge themselves academically while earning college credit and gaining experience with college-level coursework. Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment courses provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, strengthen their academic skills and prepare for success after high school.
While both options can help students earn college credit, they differ in how credit is awarded and how learning is assessed. Students should consider their academic strengths, future goals and postsecondary plans when selecting courses.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes developed by the College Board and taught at the high school. These courses are designed to provide rigorous academic experiences that challenge students to think critically, analyze complex topics and engage in college-level work.
Benefits of AP courses
- Experience the rigor of college-level coursework while in high school
- Develop advanced critical thinking, writing and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate academic readiness to colleges and universities
- Potentially earn college credit or advanced standing based on AP Exam scores
- Explore subjects in greater depth and prepare for future study
How college credit is earned
Students who take an AP course may choose to take the corresponding AP Exam in the spring. Colleges and universities determine whether credit, placement or advanced standing will be awarded based on the student's exam score and the institution's policies.
Dual-enrollment courses
Dual-enrollment courses allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. These courses are offered through partnerships with colleges and universities and are taught by qualified Gates Chili teachers or college instructors, depending on the program.
Benefits of dual-enrollment courses
- Earn college credit while still in high school
- Build confidence in a college-level learning environment
- Reduce future college coursework and potentially save on tuition costs
- Begin building a college transcript before graduation
- Experience expectations similar to those found in higher education
How college credit is earned
Students earn college credit by successfully completing the course according to the requirements established by the partnering college or university. Unlike AP courses, there is typically no single end-of-course exam required to earn college credit.
AP and dual-enrollment at a glance
College Board curriculum
College credit may be awarded based on AP Exam score
Nationally recognized program
Culminates in an AP Exam
Demonstrates college-level rigor
College/university curriculum
College credit earned through successful course completion
Credit awarded through a specific college or university
Typically no comprehensive AP-style exam required
Builds an official college transcript while in high school
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College Board curriculum
College credit may be awarded based on AP Exam score
Nationally recognized program
Culminates in an AP Exam
Demonstrates college-level rigor
-
College/university curriculum
College credit earned through successful course completion
Credit awarded through a specific college or university
Typically no comprehensive AP-style exam required
Builds an official college transcript while in high school
Which option is right for me?
Both AP and dual-enrollment courses offer valuable opportunities for students seeking academic challenge and college readiness. Some students prefer AP courses because they provide a nationally recognized curriculum and the opportunity to earn credit at colleges across the country. Others prefer dual-enrollment courses because college credit is earned through successful completion of the course rather than a single exam.
Students are encouraged to speak with their school counselor, teachers and families when deciding which pathway best aligns with their goals.
Our college and university partners
Gates Chili partners with several colleges and universities to offer dual-enrollment opportunities for students.
Partner institutions include:
- Monroe Community College
- Genesee Community College
- Roberts Wesleyan University
- SUNY Brockport
Please refer to the Program of Studies for current course offerings and eligibility requirements.