College Now vs. AP vs. Dual Enrollment

AP test days (2026)

AP test days (2026)

Colleges that offer College Now

What are AP classes? 

AP (Advanced Placement) classes are high school courses that are designed to be at a college level. At the end of the year, students take an AP exam that is scored from 1-5. Colleges will give a college credit to students that score 3 or higher. Colleges heavily weigh AP test scores in admissions processes, so the more you can do, the better - and obviously the higher you score, the better too. 

What is College Now? 

College Now is a CUNY program that is free. It’s a college course that high schoolers can take. They earn college credits that transfer to colleges that accept it. The classes can be in-person or online. 

They’re awarded by lottery, so it’s good to apply early and often. Not all courses are offered at all colleges. Each school has a different enrollment process, so be sure to reach out to the school guidance counselor to make sure you can get these classes.

What is dual enrollment? 

Dual enrollment is similar to College Now but it’s a general term that is used outside of NYC. After taking the class you get credits that count towards high school graduation and college. 

These programs matter because they save thousands of dollars that would’ve been used to pay for tuition. It also looks great in college applications and it gives teenagers an experience of what college classes are like before they go to college.