With the registration deadline for DDCC dual enrollment quickly approaching, rising juniors and seniors are faced with a decision: to apply or not to apply.

We spoke to some upperclassmen who have experienced DDCC classes. Our conclusion? Dual enrollment isn’t for everyone. If you are wondering if this pathway is for you, keep reading.

Prerequisites

In order to be eligible for registration, you must be a rising junior or senior with a 2.8 unweighted GPA. If your GPA falls below 2.8, you may be granted permission to take a CTE pathway.

Another factor to consider when thinking about dual enrollment is the location. The DDCC campus is located approximately 10 minutes away from Davie High so you must have a car or consistent form of transportation to and from the community college every day. 

Costs

While there is no cost to apply to DDCC classes, some courses require that you purchase a textbook. Depending on the specific textbook, renting may be an option. Any students that have financial restrictions are encouraged to reach out to their counselor for possible solutions. 

The Pros

• Due to the shorter classes and number of times class is held every week (some classes are held just 2 times weekly), students have more flexibility within their schedule. Depending on the day of the week, students can have time to get food or go home before attending classes at the high school. Some students enjoy not being on the high school campus for an entire school day. DDCC classes allow for a break in their daily schedule. 
• Students have found that they are treated like college students at DDCC. Unlike Davie High School, there is no dress code students are required to follow. They are college courses, so it gives students a feel for what things will be like in college. 
• If you plan to attend a public, in-state university after graduation, these classes give you college credit that will transfer. 

The Cons

• While the class schedule offers many benefits, it is oftentimes not ideal for students who are involved in extracurriculars at the high school. This school year, clubs have been meeting during Smart Block. Students who attend DDCC often miss club meetings because of schedule conflicts, they simply cannot get to the high school in time. 
• Another con is the driving that attending DDCC requires. It is a 10+ minute drive from the high school, which students say takes time and money for gas. 
• Though less demanding courses are ideal for some students, those who want to be academically challenged may feel unsatisfied with how rigorous these courses are. 

AP Courses v. DDCC Courses

We talked to several seniors who have taken both AP and DDCC classes. Their responses varied:

• Some students felt that there was no comparison between the two because AP courses at the high school require much more work and effort. It was said that though the DDCC courses may not be as challenging, it still falls on the student to show up to class and do their work. 
• The drive in itself could prove to be a challenge for some students, especially for the early morning classes. 
• Other students believe they are about equal because both require the student to learn at a higher level than what is typically offered. 
• Ultimately, each class’ perceived difficulty is different for each student and sometimes the only way to find out is to take the class yourself. 

Now that you have all the information, you are ready to make an educated decision as to whether or not dual enrollment is the right choice for you.