I have done a lot of research on dual enrollment and my daughter did two years - she earned 62 credits I think but did not go for an associates. She didn’t take any ap classes. I can also tell you that two years worth of credits does not necessarily translate into two full years of credit though it might. For instance since she took a math class every semester her junior and senior year but only one of the classes really was needed for college graduation requirements. Basically you may get free elective credit that isn’t needed for anything. Of course some majors do need more math classes.
However since you are talking about taking dual enrollment at a high school taught be high school teachers it may be viewed as different than taking college classes on a college campus taught by college professors mixed in with almost all college students. I don’t know if they view it less rigorous for admissions but if the goal is credit for classes it can make a big difference at some schools.
My daughter was considered a freshman at all the schools in terms of merit scholarships but credit wise was considered a junior which really only made a different when it came to registration starting 2nd semester and picking housing. She was invited directly into or to apply for the honors program at all the schools she applied to. However it is easier to do at some schools vs others if doing less than 4 years.
If your do go with DE my tip is to save every syllabus because they might be asked for. My daughter had to submit 3 of them. Colleges do not give a formal evaluation of college credits taken during high school until after matriculation hopefully before registering for classes. However some colleges do have a way of checking what classes they have accepted from the dual enrollment school in the past to at least provide some guidance often under the transfer section. No matter how your high school does the grades or lists or the transcripts you still need to submit a transcript from the college itself to the school you are applying to.
It isn’t uncommon either when the time comes to matriculate at a 4 year school for them to ask a high school to verify which classes were needed for high school graduation. It is fine if you do your research and know what you getting into but one of the boys who did dual enrollment with my daughter and earned an associate’s degree was shocked to find out after he matriculated that they wouldn’t accept many of his credits since for example he took freshman English but it counted as his high school English requirement as well.
Here is an example from NYU
College Courses Taken While in High School
Credit may be awarded if:
Received a grade of “B” or better
NYU offers corresponding courses
In most cases, courses were taken at a college/university, with college/university students, and taught by college/university faculty.
Courses were not used to satisfy high school graduation requirements