New legislation allows for easier transition to college for students

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.”