Introduction
CCP and AP programs are similar in function, but quite different in execution. Both are means of gaining early college credit, which provides immense benefits for students transitioning into their collegiate careers. This article is meant to be a quick and concise rundown, briefing you on the differences between each program to help you decide which one is more suitable for you (written by someone who has participated in both).
What Is It?
AP stands for Advanced Placement and is a course that you will take at your high school—characterized by the big AP test at the end of the year. It can be an easy option, without much enrollment and scheduling complexity.
CCP stands for College Credit Plus. This is where you sign up as a college student and take courses directly from the college. This comes with some scheduling and enrollment complexities that can feel like a burden upon the primary stages of course introduction.
Difficulty
This section is somewhat opinionated because difficulty varies for different people. Certain things will be difficult for one person and not for another, so your experience may differ. In theory, these two programs should be the same difficulty. In practice, they are not. Here’s a simple way to look at it: AP is twice the content. CCP is half the time. Quick math means that both are theoretically twice as difficult as a normal course.
However, in practice, AP tends to be the more difficult option. This is primarily because CCP usually means you have to take the basic, level-one courses that will be much easier. Your college may let you test past some base-level courses into the harder ones, but you can’t do that for everything, and it will only take you so far.
How It’s Taught
AP is taught at the high school by one of its teachers. You will spend a bell every day on the course. Due to its forced regularity, you don’t need as much self-discipline. You also have easy access to a teacher who can help you.
CCP has the variety and options. You can learn online, which means you get work at the beginning of the week and it’s expected to be done by the end of the week. This requires a lot of self-discipline. Access to help varies depending on the teacher, but, as a whole, it won’t be as easy. The other option is to drive to the campus and take in-person classes. Each class will last longer, but you only go to the campus 1-3 times a week. Those specifics vary course by course. Access to your instructor varies. Online, you are limited to things like zoom and email, and the instructor may not be easy to access. In-person gives you the class time to ask questions or stay after to ask questions.
How the Credits Apply
You can only get college credits from a AP courses if you do well enough on the big AP test at the end of the year. Different colleges will accept different scores on an AP test. The course also gives the appropriate high school credits.
CCP directly applies to college credits and you get them as long as you pass the course. Although, if you fail the course, you then must pay for it. Also, credits are not guaranteed to transfer to a different college. They will transfer in different amounts. It all depends on your CCP college and transfer college. The course also gives the appropriate high school credits.
Friendship Opportunities
In AP classes, you continue the high school environment, giving you more time to spend with your friends.
Assuming you were to do full-time CCP, you would be leaving any friends at the high school behind to take your courses. At least, you won’t have classes with them. Online learning doesn’t offer new in-person friendship opportunities. However, in-person learning may allow you to try making new friends.
Conclusion
AP and CCP are both two great amazing programs that let you get started early on your college degree. They each have pros and cons. It’s important to understand that you can mix and match these classes, crafting your optimal schedule. You can have your classes at the high school in the morning then go do CCP, be that in a class or on your couch. Hopefully this expanded your understanding of the two programs and made your choice easier
.png)
