How does it work?
Students sign up for Advanced Placement (AP), Concurrent Enrollment (CE), or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes at their junior high, high school, or the Granite Technical Institute (GTI). Once in the class, they will be taught at a college level. Students must work hard and prove competent in the subject in order to receive college credit. Colleges decide whether to accept the credit and if it can replace a class offered at their school. Students who take these classes can often get a semester’s worth or more of college credits done by high school graduation.
Compare the classes
| Feature / Question | CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT (CE) | ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) | INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) |
| What is it? | CE classes earn high school and college credit at the same time. | AP classes are writing- and research-intensive and emphasize study and test-taking skills. | IB classes are writing- and research-intensive. IB students also perform community service and write an extended essay. |
| Where is it available? | Available at most Utah high schools | Available at most Utah high schools | Only offered at certain Utah high schools |
| College credit earned through: | Passing the class | Exam score | Exam score |
| Cost:* | $15-20 per class ($5 per credit)One-time application fee (varies by college)Possible book costs | $93 per examPossible book costs | $116 per examPossible book costs |
| What college credit will I earn? | Many CE classes fulfill general education requirements. CE also offers introductory classes in college-level career and technical education. | Varies with each college—check with your college’s academic advisor | Varies with each college—check with your college’s academic advisor |
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP classes are taught at the college level. College level of work and study is expected. Students can expect 1-2 hours of homework each day. The class is geared towards preparing the students for the final exam in May. Students who wish to receive college credit for the class must take the exam. Students may opt out of the exam if desired, but they will only receive high school credit. A fee of $91 per a test is required. The test is scored on a 5-point scale with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. Most colleges and universities accept scores that are 3 or higher. Some colleges also allow the credit to count for one of their classes. It’s important to check with the college to see what AP tests and scores they accept.
AP websites:
Concurrent Enrollment (CE)
Concurrent enrollment classes are college classes. Students enroll at a college, usually Salt Lake Community College, and take the class at the high school from a college certified teacher. There is a one-time enrollment fee with the college of $40. If you take a course from a different college, you will have to enroll at that school and pay a $40 enrollment fee again. Once enrolled, students can take as many CE classes as they want. The classes are just $5 per a credit. Students will also be responsible for obtaining their textbooks for the class. CE classes are just like being at college. The grades received in these classes will go on a student’s permanent college transcript and on a high school transcript. Credits earned through the CE classes are more easily used and transferred than the other classes when attending a university or college. CE classes are open to Juniors and Seniors. However, some classes do allow a Sophomore to appeal to be in the class. The CE classes available to you depend on the high school you attend. When choosing a high school, look at the CE courses that are offered. The GTI also offers some CE classes. Students who plan wisely can get all of their college math and other required classes done in high school and have more time in college to take other classes.
- SLCC Concurrent Enrollment
- UVU Concurrent Enrollment
- Weber State Concurrent Enrollment
- Utah State University Concurrent Enrollment
- Snow College Concurrent Enrollment
- SUU Concurrent Enrollment
- Utah Tech University Concurrent Enrollment
- Utah State Office of Education Concurrent Enrollment Info
International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate is a program for high school students, but it can start in 9th grade. In the program, students will take IB classes. These classes are rigorous and require a great deal of work. We’re talking 15-20 hours of homework a week. IB classes focus on going deeper into the subject content whereas AP and other types of classes just brush the surface. There is more focus on the students and their learning in the IB classes. Each year there are 2 big exams called DP Assessments, and the testing has fees. If the student successfully completes the program, they will receive an IB diploma. Depending on the college you go to, this diploma can count for college credit and could put you into college as a Junior. It is extremely important you look at the college you want to attend before entering this program. Some colleges won’t take the diploma for college credit. In Utah, the school that gives you the most for the diploma is the University of Utah. Each school year there is a fee just to attend the program. Granite School District’s IB school is Skyline High School. The IB program is rigorous, but it is a great way to prepare for college and receive college credit.
What classes are available?
At Wasatch Junior High, we do not offer any college credit classes since we are a 6th – 8th grade school.
Skyline High School offers all 3 options: AP, CE, and IB. Most high schools offer AP and CE classes.
