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Should I take AP courses next semester or take college courses online?

I'm asking this question because I am not sure if it will benefit me to take college courses in high school to save money, or take the harder AP courses. I want to do what will benefit me the most to become an engineer. #engineering #science #technology #math #physics #mechanical-engineer

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Peter’s Answer

Tyler:


I suggest that you take AP courses, not online college courses. The former are universally known and accepted by college admissions and will certainly look more impressive when they review your grades as part of the admissions process.
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Glenn’s Answer

Great question. Getting ahead on college credits can take the pressure off entering college. Since you are planning on entering engineering, it is important that you take courses that will transfer. Also, some colleges limit the amount of AP credits that you can transfer. As a first pass, I would go online and find the restrictions. You can also contact a guidance councilor to get their recommendations.


As a general rule, I think it is easier to transfer college credit than AP credit. But engineering schools are particular about what technical classes can transfer. It is easier to transfer non-technical credits like English, language classes, and humanities courses to fill your non-technical needs. It is always in your best interest to take technical classes, even if they are just to prepare yourself for college. This would include Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, etc. The better that these align with the courses the school offers, the easier it will be to transfer them, especially if that are college credits.
Thank you comment icon So the caveat for taking college classes is that not all classes transfer equally. You'll need to check the accreditation of the online college and ask prospective colleges if they accept college credits from said online college. This is tricky. Be sure to talk to your guidance counselor and the admissions departments at prospective college you're interested in. With AP classes, you have standardization. While colleges may have different thresholds, nearly all will accept them. This is the better path. Dhairya Dalal
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James’s Answer

One other thing to consider, Tyler - AP classes are often more affordable than their college equivalents.

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Matthew’s Answer

Definitely take AP classes. Transferring college courses is often a pain - AP is pretty universally accepted to some degree.
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Dhairya’s Answer

Also suggest AP. Depending on your score, most colleges will confer you college credit (usually require a 4 or 5 at competitive schools, though a 3 will suffice at others). Online college classes will be more expensive, and there not often guaranteed to transfer. Especially schools like University of Phoenix or for profit colleges like Capella will be difficult to get transferred (in fact most of the time they are not accepted).
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