The most important factor in college admissions is the strength of your academics. That means more than just grades; it also takes into account the rigor of the classes you took. Straight A's in bowling and finger painting aren't going to get you into Yale. Often times, getting a B in a hard class looks better than getting an easy A. Admissions officers are after applicants who challenge themselves by taking Advanced Placement classes.

Just how important are the APs in college admissions and why should you take them? These experts give their thoughts:

• Robert Bardwell of "Guidance Office" says, "The score of the actual AP test is not as important as the fact that the student took the AP class and what grade he earned. This is particularly true for a senior whose test score will not even be seen by the admissions committee."
• Dean Flagel at Not Your Average Admissions writes, "If you think a course will be so awfully difficult that not only will your grade go down in that course, but also in your other courses, you do need to think about how much that will impact your overall admission chances ... You should try picking courses because they interest and challenge you, and not just to get into a school."
• Babs at Campus Compare says, "The real end-goal of an AP course is to get college credit before you even apply to college. Sure, they look good, but you’ll also save possibly thousands of dollars and the boredom of taking 'Bio 101' or 'Intro to American History' with 300 of your “closest” friends."

Dual enrollment has some disadvantages in terms of time and money, but for many students, it offers intellectually exciting options not offered in their high schools. It also demonstrates to prospective colleges that they can perform and hold their own alongside older, mature peers. Students who take part in dual enrollment can benefit from several advantages:

It allows gifted kids to fulfill their potential. If your school is lacking Advanced Placement options or if you have a unique subject of interest, then dual enrollment allows you to take matters into your own hands. Colleges offer a diverse array of course offerings that extend far beyond what you can learn in high school. Instead of languishing in classes in that don't challenge or inspire you, check out the interesting options (as well as their prerequsites) at a local college.

It improves academic readiness. By immersing yourself in college-level work early on, you'll be more prepared once you do enter college. Many freshman are surprised by the amount of reading and the quality of work required by college instructors. Dual enrollment programs help get students comfortably acquainted with the idea of college and eliminates the intimidation factor, especially among first-generation collegegoers and underrepresented minorities.

It gives a boost in college admissions. Many colleges look upon dual enrollment favorably, since it's a sign that the student can complete challenging and advanced coursework. So does that mean you should cram in as many college-level courses as possible to impress your future admissions committee? Not exactly. Brian Taylor, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Texas at Austin, writes, "We look positively upon students who take the recommended rather than the required high school courses. But ... the reason to take and succeed in your classes is not just to possibly get a favorable offer of admission to all the colleges on your wish list. The bigger thing to focus on is getting the best preparation for your academic future."

Dual enrollment laws vary by state, and each school district may implement it in a different way. (Some may offer college classes on high school campuses by hiring professors; others may have relationships with local community colleges.) Ask your guidance counselor about the options you have if you want to pursue dual enrollment.

Previously, we talked about the growing numbers of high school students taking part in dual enrollment programs that allow them to earn college credit before they ever receive a fat envelope. Before you sign up, here are some of the disadvantages to keep in mind:

 
It might cost money. Many dual enrollment programs try to save their students money by offering free or reduced tuition classes. However, if yours doesn't, you'll have to pay for tuition, as well as textbooks and coursepacks. On the other hand, dual enrollment gives you the chance to finish basic requirements before entering your freshman year of college. Classes at a community college, even if you pay for them, may be cheaper than the ones at a four-year university, so you might wind up saving money. You have to make sure, however, that your future college will allow you to transfer the credits.

It takes time. College classes come with more course material and more reading than what you may be used to. In addition to the time you'll spend on the more difficult coursework, you should also factor in commuting to class if your high school doesn't offer college classes on campus.  Most students dual enroll during their junior or senior years, the same time when they're studying for standardized tests and applying for colleges. These responsibilities will already demand much of your attention. Also keep in mind that senior year will be a period when you'll want to spend time with friends and family. Overcommitting yourself might not be the best idea.

It may be too difficult. Because college coursework is more rigorous, you should be sure that you're prepared to be challenged. Even if an instructor is teaching a college class on a high school campus, he or she is usually required to have an advanced degree on the subject or may be a professor hired for the job. For those taking classes on a college campus, remember that you won't be treated like a high school student in the lecture hall, so you'll have to perform above and beyond usual expectations to compete with your fellow classmates. If you're intimidated, try out summer classes at your local community college instead of academic-year classes at a big university. Remember, grades in these classes carry over to your college transcript (if you want the credits to count), so they'll will be with you for the rest of your undergraduate education.

On the other hand, dual enrollment is often a blessing for students who feel stifled by unchallenging coursework. Check back tomorrow for some of the advantages to getting a head start on college.

The state of Texas recently passed a new law that requires high schools to offer students the opportunity to earn up to 12 hours of college credit, a mandate that is part of a growing "dual enrollment" trend. In hopes of making college a realistic goal for students who might not have the resources to attend, more and more school districts are offering dual enrollment programs so students can spend less time and money as undergraduates.

Dual enrollment is not the same as Advanced Placement. The latter refers to advanced classes in high school that prepare students to take an exam in the spring. If you receive a passing score on the AP exam, it qualifies you to receive college credit. However, some elite colleges require a higher score than others, and not all colleges accept credit you earn in high school (whether it's through dual enrollment or through AP tests), though it may allow you to skip prerequisites.

In the past, dual enrollment meant taking college classes and earning college credit in addition to attending high school. The classes were usually off-campus (or online), and the colleges offering them weren't associated with the high school. Today, more and more high schools are becoming receptive to the idea of introducing college-level coursework to their students and allowing students to earn both high school and college credit with them. In Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College teaches dual credit classes on high school campuses to over 16,000 students. There are even "early college high schools" that work with low-income, underrepresented minorities who might not consider college otherwise. They offer a high school diploma and an Associate's degree through four years of advanced courses.

Dual enrollment may or may not be right for you, depending on your high school and your specific needs. Check back next week for some of the pros and cons you'll need to know to decide if dual enrollment is right for you.