Early College Academic Performance: Studying the Effects of Earning College Credits from Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment

Abstract

This quantitative study examined the impact of Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) on early college academic performance by analyzing and comparing first year and sophomore year persistence rates and grade point averages (GPAs) of four student cohorts who began their education at a large urban research I university in fall 2007. These cohorts of fall 2007 first year and first time college admits comprise students who earned college credits in high school by participation in Credit Based Transition Programs (CBTPs), specifically AP and DE, and students who did not earn college credits during high school. This study has contributed to literature examining the relationship between earning college credits in high school and early college academic performance. CBTPs were created for the benefit of high school students and the K-16 educational system. These programs were specifically created and implemented to introduce students to the rigors of college and ease the academic and social transition from high school to college. Student AP and DE participation increases yearly (The Fifth Annual, 2009; Kleiner & Lewis, 2005) and the first year of college is pivotal in terms of student retention (Astin, 1984; Bailey & Karp, 2003; Bailey, Hughes, & Karp, 2002; Cohen & Brawer, 1996; Coomes & Debard, 2004; Klekotka, 2005; Kuh, 2005; Light, 2001; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005; Plucker, Chien, & Zaman, 2006; Tinto, 1987). These are the two primary impetuses for studying this phenomenon. This study utilized multiple chi-square, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, oneway ANOVA, and ANCOVA statistical analyses. These analyses provided ample data for answering the research questions. The sample comprised four cohorts of first year, first time college, students entering a large urban research institution in fall 2007. 1) students entering with only Advanced Placement (AP) credits ("AP" cohort), 2) students entering with only Dual Enrollment (DE) credits ("DE" cohort), 3) students entering with both AP and DE credits ("AP and DE" cohort), and 4) students entering with no college credits ("Non AP and/or DE" cohort. Statistical analyses presented results showing no statistically significant difference in early college academic performance amongst the cohorts in the study.