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Junior Counseling Information

People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself, but the self is not something one finds; it is something one creates. - Thomas Szasz

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Resources for Juniors and Families

Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement Classes?

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while still in high school. Students can earn college credit and high school credits at the same time. 

An AP course is comparable to a course taught at any college or university.  AP courses are much more rigorous than high school college prep courses.  In all AP courses, students learn how to think critically and write clearly. Parkview High School is pleased to offer over 25 different Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Parents and students are encouraged to educate themselves on the classes available and the teachers’ expectations of students. Each AP course is taught at the college-level, offering the opportunity for willing and motivated students to challenge themselves.

Both programs expose students to college level work & allow students to earn college credits while in high school.

You can explore more about each program at Parkview here:

* The information below has been adapted from information from the College Board and StudyPoint, Inc.

Why should you consider enrolling?

Dual Enrollment

  • You can experience full-time college coursework. By trying out a few classes while still in high school, you get used to the academic environment before leaving the comfort and support of home.
  • You may be able to take classes that aren't offered at your high school.
  • College courses can give you a closer look at your area of academic interest. According to the College Board, most students change their majors at least once. Taking a college class can help you find your area of interest before the pressure is on to declare a major.
  • Perhaps the biggest benefit of dual enrollment is that you may start to accumulate college credits prior to graduation.
  • Research comparing dual enrollment students to non-dual enrollment students is generally positive, finding that dual enrollment students have:
    • A higher likelihood of enrolling in a 4-year school
    • A smaller decline in grades from high school to college
    • A higher likelihood of persisting

Advanced Placement

  • You will be more prepared for college and life if you take more rigorous courses.
  • Taking AP classes lets colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment.
  • By taking AP classes and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses: most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP Exam scores. These credits can allow you to save college tuition.
  • Exam scores are positively related to college grades. AP students:
    • may be able to exempt introductory courses.
    • perform as well or better in the subsequent course.
    • have higher first year GPA
    • have higher retention rate.

That sounds great! Are there reasons I shouldn’t participate?

Dual Enrollment

  • If a course is already available at your school, it might be best to take it there. Colleges may wonder why a student has chosen to take an intro class at a community college if there is an AP class in the same subject available at the high school level. If the college course won't give you something above and beyond what's available at your high school, take a pass!
  • A college course in music appreciation is a great resume booster-as long as you plan to go into music. If you are planning a career in chemistry, the music class won't help and could raise questions about the academic rigor of your coursework. You should carefully consider the academic value of any class that you are considering.
  • Dual-enrollment courses are real college courses for real college credit; the grades will go on your permanent record. Before enrolling, make sure you are ready for the demanding work a college class will require, or it could hurt your chances at college acceptance down the line.
  • Furthermore, if you fail a dual-enrollment course, it could mean you won't graduate high school on time.

Advanced Placement

  • AP classes are college level courses to work hard. If you are not willing to invest the time and energy to be successful, AP classes may not be a good fit.
  • If you need to be reminded to complete homework, then you may not do well in AP. College instructors rarely re­mind students to do their work or when deadlines are coming.
  • AP students should be organized and capable of keeping up with assignments. If you have trouble with organization and lack motivation, AP classes may not be a good fit.

Q: What if I don’t want to go directly to a four-year college or university after I graduate high school?

A: No problem…you have great options.