High school is a time when you start thinking about college — or where you want to go next. Choosing what classes to take in high school is an important way to help you make your next move. You may have heard about dual enrollment vs. AP (advanced placement) courses and wondered which one makes the most sense for you. What’s the difference between taking actual college classes and taking harder high school classes that might count as college credit? In this post, you’ll learn the difference between these two paths, how NOVA’s dual enrollment programs work and how NOVA might help you reach your goals faster.
What’s the Difference Between Dual Enrollment and AP?
When you compare dual enrollment vs. AP, here’s what matters:
Dual enrollment means you take actual college classes, earning credit right away — just like a college student.
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are high school courses that challenge you and end with an exam. If you get a good score on the AP exam, that exam score might earn you college credit later — but isn’t guaranteed.
With dual enrollment, credit usually arrives automatically when you pass. AP credit depends on your exam score and on whether your future college will accept it.
Exploring Dual Enrollment Courses at NOVA
NOVA works hard to make sure you can take the dual enrollment courses you want when you want. You can enroll in:
Independent dual enrollment at NOVA: As an independent dual enrollment student, you can take college classes at NOVA — online or on campus — even before you graduate high school.
Contract dual enrollment at your high school: NOVA also partners with many high schools to offer contract dual enrollment. These classes happen during the school day at your high school. They are taught by your high school teachers who also work as NOVA adjunct professors. The best part? These classes are free thanks to the agreement between your school and NOVA.
Early online college: If you're a junior or senior in specific local school districts — like Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Manassas Park or Prince William — you can take up to two tuition-free online courses per semester through NOVA. That means you get real college credit without needing to pay.
How Does AP Work For Earning College Credit?
Advanced Placement classes are challenging, college-level courses you take at your high school. At the end of the year, you take an AP exam. Your score needs to be high enough — usually a 3, 4 or 5 — for colleges to award credit, and even then, credit isn't guaranteed by every college.
AP courses can boost your GPA if your school gives extra weight for them. They also show colleges you’ve challenged yourself. But remember — credit depends on your score and the college you attend. That doesn't mean you should avoid AP classes; it just means you'll want to consider your end goal (getting into college or earning college credit) if you're trying to decide between the two.
Which Is Better For You — Dual Enrollment Or AP?
When you’re planning your academic path, it’s natural to wonder whether dual enrollment or AP is the better choice. Both can strengthen your transcript and prepare you for college, but the right option depends on your goals, learning style and future plans.
Think about your goals. If you're ready for real college classes, dual enrollment can give you credit right away and help you jump ahead. If you want a challenge in a familiar high school setting and like working toward that AP exam, AP might be a good fit.
Know how college credit transfers. NOVA’s credits usually transfer to four-year colleges in Virginia — but AP credit may or may not, depending on your future college's rules. With dual enrollment credit, you're often partway through general education requirements before college even starts.
Mixing both could be smart. It’s possible to do both dual enrollment and AP. That can make your transcript stronger, give you experience with real college work and advanced exam prep and show colleges you’re ready for a challenge.
In the end, the best choice isn’t about one program being better than the other — it’s about what fits you. By thinking through your goals, credit transfer options and how you learn best, you can make a decision that sets you up for success in college and beyond.
Real Results From NOVA’s Dual Enrollment Programs
Not sure what the benefits of dual enrollment can look like? One standout success story comes from NOVA grad Grace Rai. At 17, Grace earned both of her diplomas in back-to-back months: her NOVA business administration degree in May and then her high school diploma in June.
Grace chose dual enrollment over the holistic two-year pre-college International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma because she felt NOVA’s dual enrollment credits were more likely to transfer — and she liked being able to choose her own classes and schedule. Her parents helped make logistics work — her mom would drive her to NOVA, and her dad picked her up.
At NOVA, she made connections, used career services and attended networking events — even a speed networking event with Microsoft. Grace says managing time was huge. In college, you’ve got to keep track of your schedule, get work done on time and take advantage of opportunities around you.
Grace transferred to VCU for a bachelor’s in information systems. She dreams of becoming a product manager or project manager in tech after graduation.
Some of the other benefits of choosing NOVA’s dual enrollment courses?
- NOVA is Virginia’s first National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment and Partnerships (NACEP)-accredited dual enrollment program.
- You can work toward anything from single classes to a full associate degree or even a certificate.
- Some options are completely free — like contract dual enrollment and the Early Online College.
- Formats are flexible: online, in person, during school or as independent students.
- You save time and money by crossing off college credits before college.
- It makes the transition smoother and helps reduce repeating similar work later.
NOVA also honors students who succeed through dual enrollment. In 2024, 44 students earned associate degrees or general education certificates by high school graduation. Plus, 30 students earned Career Studies Certificates. These awards show how real and meaningful NOVA’s dual enrollment outcomes can be.
Dual Enrollment vs. AP: Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing between dual enrollment and AP can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to picture what classes will look like day to day. These common questions can help you think through what works best for you.