Changes in Texas education curriculum have made it easier for some high school students to transition into college with more credit hours under their belts, which is the result of two new bills passed in the 84th Texas Legislature.

House Bill 505 removes limits on the number of dual-credit courses a high school student can take in any academic semester, and HB 1992 requires state public colleges and universities to accept a minimum score of 3 on Advanced Placement exams taken by high school students for college credit. Both bills give students the ability to attain more college credit while still in high school. HB 505 and HB 1992 were both signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on May 23 and June 3, respectively.

Jeff Fuller, director of student recruitment at the University of Houston, said the new policies would not necessarily help students get admitted to state public schools, such as UH, since admission is granted mostly through grades and SAT scores. However, the changes would give students the opportunity to get ahead in college once they are admitted and have a clearer view of their degree plan.

“UH awards an AP score of 3 or higher with college credit already for most classes, so the new AP policy won’t affect us that much specifically,” Fuller said. “However, the big discussion is on certain math and science [AP] classes, which as of right now require a 4 or 5 on the exam for students seeking a specific math or science degree.”

Fuller said a math or science student could earn a 3 on an AP exam and receive credit for more general science and math classes but will still have to take the more advanced classes at the university. However, Fuller said getting a 3 on the exam is still beneficial to students as they will still be able to get ahead in their college careers.

Similar to the new AP policy, the ability for students to now take an unlimited amount of dual-credit classes would also put students ahead in their degree plan, he said.

“The most important thing about being able to take more dual classes is that, to make sure they are going to fit in your degree plan, you still need to be strategic,” Fuller said. “While there has been a limit on the amount of dual-credit classes you can take, this is because some colleges want to let students have a fuller college experience and take these classes there. At a public university like UH, we see most [dual-credit] classes fit into a degree plan.”

Fuller said by taking advantage of such programs and earning a significant number of college credit hours while in high school, students can often graduate college a year early.

Debbie Ratcliffe, director of media relations for the Texas Education Agency, said that besides helping students earn degrees faster, the new policies could save Texas families time and money.

“College campuses will offer more course credit than they did before, and this will help students when admitted into a university,” Ratcliffe said. “We have already seen more increases at early learning high schools where students graduate with both a high school degree and an associate’s degree. They’re getting more credentials, and it is already helping.”

Ratcliffe agreed with Fuller that more dual-credit classes being allowed and lower AP scores being accepted would not result in an easier admission process but would better prepare students for college.

“There will now just be more options for Texas families,” she said. “Colleges offering more course credit saves millions of dollars.”