High schools offer different levels of core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies), allowing students to choose based on their interests, workload for the year, or other factors.

 

On-Level
This level follows the standard curriculum set by the educational board for that grade. It is considered the most accessible level of a subject, though not necessarily "easy," but rather the least challenging compared to other available levels.

 

Honors / AAC
Honors or Advanced courses include additional topics beyond the standard curriculum. Typically, they incorporate material from the first semester of the next grade level to provide a more rigorous learning experience.

 

AP (Advanced Placement)
AP stands for Advanced Placement, a curriculum developed by the College Board, primarily for U.S. schools offering college-level coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit. Learn more about AP courses here. 

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NOTE: Some schools require students to complete an on-level or advanced-level course before enrolling in an AP class. For instance, to take AP Biology in 10th grade, students must first complete 9th-grade Biology or Biology AAC/Honors. This prerequisite ensures that students have a foundational understanding necessary for success in AP courses.

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• Course Expectations
   

  • Coursework includes in-depth material, rigorous projects, and challenging tests compared to on-level classes.

  • The curriculum, defined by the College Board, is typically divided into 7 to 9 units. Example: AP Biology curriculum.

  • AP courses are advanced-level subjects, requiring greater effort and commitment from students.

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• AP Exams & Scoring
   

  • In addition to regular school tests, students can register for the AP exam, administered by the College Board at the end of the school year.
     

  • AP test (by college board) scores range from 1 to 5, with a score of 4 or 5 generally considered excellent and often qualifying for college credit. Check AP score policies here.
     

  • Note that taking the course at school and deciding to take the college board AP test are totally independent of each other. School credit is earned if you complete and pass all tests, course work etc., assigned by the school.  AP test score is given by college board that can be used to earn a college credit if eligible.
     

  • It is NOT mandatory to take the year end AP exam administered by College Board. But without passing this test a student cannot earn a college credit, if eligible. If you do not get a passing score in the AP test administered by college board then you can simply chose not to disclose it to any educational institution.
     

  • TIP: Check which AP credits are beneficial to you and which ones can possibly earn you a college credit. Based on this you can decide if you should take the year end test from college board. Ex: AP Pre-Calculus is a good school credit to have, but the college board test score does not qualify towards any college credit. 

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• Benefits of Taking AP Courses
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  • Earn College Credit – The primary advantage of AP exams is the potential to earn college credit while still in high school.

  • Save on College Tuition – Earning AP credits can reduce the number of courses you need to take in college, saving both time and money.

  • University Credit Policies – To determine whether a university accepts AP credits, check their official website. Example: Texas A&M’s accepted AP credits.

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Dual credit
Dual Credit programs allow high school students to earn two credits simultaneously—one for high school and one for college. These courses are typically offered in partnership with a community college and follow college-level teaching and grading standards.

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How Dual Credit Works
 

• Dual credit courses are primarily college-level and adhere to the rules and standards set by the college.

• They are usually taught by a community college professor at the high school or another designated location.

• Students may also have the option to take dual credit courses online or during the summer directly through the community college.

• Example: Dual Credit enrollment at Houston Community College

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Dual Credit vs. AP Courses
 

• Dual Credit: No additional exam is required—passing the course guarantees college credit.

• AP Courses: Students must take a College Board AP exam, and only a score of 3 to 5 makes them eligible to apply for college credit.
   

Overall, dual credit provides a direct pathway to earning college credits, while AP courses require an exam to determine eligibility for credit.

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Understanding Course Levels using an Example – English

In most high schools, AP or Dual Credit English is not available until junior year (11th grade). Students can follow different pathways to earn their English credits based on their academic goals and preparedness. Here are some possible English Course Progressions: 

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✅ Path 1: On-Level Track

9th Grade: English I

10th Grade: English II

11th Grade: English III

12th Grade: English IV
 

✅ Path 2: Advanced + AP Track

9th Grade: English I AAC

10th Grade: English II AAC

11th Grade: AP English Language and Composition

12th Grade: AP English Literature and Composition
 

✅ Path 3: Mixed Track (On-Level + Advanced + AP + Dual Credit)

9th Grade: English I

10th Grade: English II AAC

11th Grade: AP English Language and Composition

12th Grade: Dual Credit English IV (https://www.hccs.edu/programs/dual-credit/approved-high-school-classes/)

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Key Takeaways

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• Students can choose On-Level or Advanced (AAC) in 9th and 10th grade.

• AP and Dual Credit English options are generally available only in 11th and 12th grade at most schools.

• AP courses require an exam for college credit eligibility, while Dual Credit guarantees college credit upon passing the course.

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This flexibility allows students to tailor their course selection based on their strengths, college aspirations, and workload preferences.

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How do I apply?

For On-Level and Advanced/Honors courses, no special application is required. Simply keep track of your school’s course selection dates and choose your subjects when the enrollment window opens for the next academic year.

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• The course selection window typically opens in February for the following school year.

• While the process is straightforward, it can be challenging for students and parents transitioning between schools, such as:
   

  • Moving from elementary to middle school OR

  • Transitioning from middle school to high school

  • Considering summer credits or Credit by Examination (CBE) options

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Applying for AP courses follows a process similar to enrolling in on-level or Advanced/Honors courses. Students can sign up through the course selection form provided by the school during the enrollment period. However, it’s important to check if the course has any prerequisites. For example, AP Physics C requires students to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in a Calculus course.

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An additional step for AP courses is registering for the AP exam through the College Board. This registration takes place during the school year, and teachers usually remind students about the test window and sign-up process. The exam fee for 2025 is $98 per subject, payable directly on the College Board’s website. By the time students are eligible to enroll in AP courses, they typically already have a College Board account, as the same platform administers the PSAT and SAT exams, which are mandatory for all Texas high school students. Most students receive their College Board account during middle school, often in 8th grade, and maintain it throughout high school.

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The process for registering for Dual Credit courses is more complex, as it involves external platforms. The school will hold an informational session to guide students through the process—attending this session is highly recommended, as navigating the registration sites can be confusing.

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Here’s a brief overview: In Houston, Dual Credit courses are typically offered through Houston Community College. However, registration for any Texas college is done via the Apply Texas website.

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Steps for Dual Credit Registration:

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1. Create an account on the Apply Texas site using a personal email. A verification code will be sent to this email.
   Sign up here: Apply Texas Registration.

2. Log in after successfully creating your account.

3. Complete the ‘Core Questions’ section—only the required fields (marked with a red *) need to be filled out. Core Questions Form

4. Search for your program and school using this link: School Search. Once you find your program, complete and submit the application form.

5. Check your Dashboard on the Apply Texas site to confirm your application status. Once submitted, the college will review it and send you an ID, which is required for further steps.

6. Wait for approval—it typically takes around two business days to receive your college ID.

7. Notify your school about your acceptance and share the required details (such as the registered subject and your college ID) via email or any designated form.

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If you need help at any stage, it’s best to reach out to your school counselor. You can also contact me through the form on this site—I’ve personally gone through this process and will do my best to assist you.

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personal note...

If you're considering a STEM degree in college, I highly recommend taking Advanced, AP, or Dual Credit courses in high school. These courses will help you in more ways than just boosting your transcript.

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First, college STEM courses are tough, and they’re only going to get harder. Getting used to a more challenging workload now will make the transition to college much smoother. Plus, colleges want to see that you can handle rigorous coursework—but don’t think of it as trying to impress admissions officers. The real goal is to prepare yourself for success in the long run.

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Another big advantage is that these courses let you explore your interest in STEM before fully committing to a major. You’ll get a real feel for the subject, and if you find out it’s not the right fit, it’s much easier to pivot in high school than in college.

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Starting early not only builds a strong foundation but also gives you confidence when tackling college-level material. If you’re serious about STEM, challenging yourself now will pay off later!

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