In recent years, high school students have shifted from Advanced Placement (AP) courses to Concurrent Enrollment (CE) and College in the Schools (CIS) classes as schools expand new ways to earn college credit. Unlike AP courses, which rely on a single end-of-year exam, CE and CIS classes award credit based on performance throughout the semester, often through partnerships with local colleges. Many students say the shift reduces academic stress and creates a more balanced workload, but it also raises questions about college credit transfer and academic rigor.
One of the biggest differences students report is the removal of the AP exam as the deciding factor for college credit. Instead of preparing for one high-stakes test, students in CE and CIS courses are evaluated through their work over the year. As a result, academic pressure is spread more evenly throughout the semester rather than concentrated into a single moment.
“I feel a lot less stress because I don’t have to study for a big test and you’re not trying to cram so much material into a shorter period,” junior Kovu Troutfetter said.
Students also point to the consistency of CE and CIS courses as a key difference. Grades are built through assignments, quizzes and participation, allowing students to demonstrate understanding in multiple ways instead of relying on one final score. This approach makes expectations feel more predictable and manageable over time.
“It’s way easier to get credits because you only need a C or above in the class. It’s not dependent on just one test,” Troutfetter said.
Rather than centering the year around a single exam, CE and CIS courses shift the focus toward daily learning. Students say class time, assignments and ongoing practice play a larger role, while test preparation becomes just one part of the process instead of the main goal.
Junior Madison Komarek said CE classes still demand consistent effort, explaining that the preparation for tests is “the same way that … one would for an AP test,” but without the pressure of one exam determining her final outcome.
The shift has also increased access to college-level coursework for students who may have been intimidated by AP classes in the past. With an emphasis on steady performance and progress, these courses can feel more approachable, encouraging a wider range of students to enroll.
Junior Lucy Kleczka said CE classes have reduced academic pressure compared to her previous AP courses, making advanced classes feel more manageable and encouraging more students to take them.
Despite the benefits, some students still see value in AP courses, especially when it comes to college admissions and credit recognition. AP scores are more widely standardized and can sometimes carry more weight depending on the institution.
“The CE credits, especially from Minnesota, don’t transfer as well and AP scores are another thing that colleges can use on applications,” Kleczka said.
Overall, both AP and CE/CIS courses offer valuable opportunities, with CE and CIS credits remaining transferable to many partnered and local colleges. As schools move away from AP courses, the rise of CE and CIS classes highlights a shift toward a more balanced and realistic approach to learning. By prioritizing consistent effort over one high-stakes exam, this change not only reduces stress but also redefines what academic success can look like for today’s students.
