SAINT PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL

AP & DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM

COLLEGE CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES

As part of our balanced approach to ensuring our students are both college and career ready Saint Patrick High School offers many credit bearing courses as part of a partnership with various Universities and through the courses made available through the College Board.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES

Advanced Placement courses are offered in conjunction with the College Board and are recognized by colleges across the country.  Students engage in rigorous coursework with trained instructors and are then assessed at the end of the year to measure their mastery.  Students receive a score on this assessment and can then request credit when applying to their chosen college if they meet the college’s particular criteria.


DUAL CREDIT COURSES

Dual Credit courses are offered in partnership with universities that provide students with college credit from that university.  In these courses students acquire credit by meeting the criteria set by the university and are taught by Saint Patrick teachers using the syllabus adopted by the particular university.  Students receive a transcript from the university from which the course is offered that they can use when applying for colleges upon graduation.  


DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES

Dual enrollment and dual credit courses allow high school students to take college-level classes, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. These programs provide students with the opportunity to experience the rigor of college coursework while still in high school, often leading to significant cost savings on college tuition. Additionally, dual enrollment and dual credit courses can accelerate a student’s path to a college degree and career and trade. 

Dual enrollment classes are held at the college after school hours, and dual credit classes are held at the high school and are taken during regular school hours. Triton College dedicates the dual enrollment classes schedule; therefore, they are offered only when the college offers them. 

 
ADVANCED COURSE COMPARISON

Saint Patrick High School recently conducted a comprehensive comparison of the number of AP and Dual Credit courses we offer relative to nearby competing schools. The results highlighted our strong commitment to advanced academics, showcasing a robust selection of AP and Dual Credit courses that meet and exceed regional standards.

 
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM INFORMATION

Test Dates & Cost

The 2025 AP Exam schedule and cost is posted on the College Board website.

Registration

Registration is available online from October 3 – November 1.

Registration for AP Exams includes a 2-step process. Both steps are required to order an AP exam.

  1. Students must “Join” their class through the My AP College Board portal. This is usually completed in the AP course with the AP teacher.
  2. Students must register for the AP exam at AP Online Registration. Your tuition account will be billed for the AP Exam.

Late/Cancellation Fees

AP Registrations after the November 1 deadline will incur an additional $40 College Board fee per exam.

If a student chooses to cancel an exam or does not take an exam, the student will be charged a $40 per exam College Board cancellation fee. Cancellations in April may have an additional $9 processing fee. 

AP exams for all classes taught at SPHS will be administered at Saint Patrick High School.

Students who have an IEP or 504 Plan and received approved College Board accommodations will continue to receive accommodations for the AP Exam.

 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I've never taken an Advanced Course before. Why should I?

Taking Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit classes in high school offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your academic experience. These courses provide a higher level of rigor, preparing you for the challenges of college coursework. Successfully completing AP or dual credit classes can earn you college credits, potentially saving you time and money in your post-secondary education. Additionally, these classes demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence, making your college applications more competitive. Participating in advanced coursework also helps you develop critical thinking, time management, and study skills, giving you a strong foundation for future academic and career success.

Should I take AP or Dual Credit? And How Do I Choose?

Both course types will help you. However, it depends on your academic and post-secondary interests and the level of rigor you are looking for. Your counselor can help you determine the best fit for you. They can also help identify which colleges accept which courses as you progress.

Should I take the AP Exam?

Taking the AP Exam is a personal decision that each student should discuss with their teachers and family. If you have seen success in the course, we strongly encourage you to take the AP Exam. Even if you found the course(s) to be challenging, do not let that deter you from taking the exam. We strongly encourage you to take it because of the overall benefits. You are unable to obtain college credit if you do not take the exam, and the experience itself is valuable. The exam provides a glimpse into what college-level exams are like and can boost a student’s confidence. 

Does it matter what I score on the AP Exam?

Yes, it does matter what you get on the AP exam. Scoring well can earn you college credits, allowing you to skip introductory courses and save on tuition. High scores also strengthen your college applications, showcasing your ability to succeed in challenging academic environments. However, even if you don’t score as high as you’d like, taking the exam is valuable experience that can help you prepare for future college-level exams.