Can a High School Student Take College Courses? Benefits

Let’s look at some of the benefits of taking college courses in high school as well as some of the options available.

Students can take college courses and earn both high school and college credit by enrolling in dual enrollment programs. Although high schools may offer them, most students take their classes on a nearby college campus. Dual enrollment is another way that online high schools and colleges collaborate.

It is possible to earn college credit while still in high school by enrolling early, taking college or AP courses, and testing out of requirements. Investigate these and the other choices below.

Can a High School Student Take College Courses?

You can begin accumulating college credit while you are still a high school student, and there are actually a number of ways to do this. It needn’t be costly or time-consuming, which is good news.

Here is more information on the advantages of taking college courses while still in high school, as well as how you can earn credits over the course of months or even years!) before freshman orientation.

Why Consider Taking College Classes in High School?

Students who plan to attend college in the future may benefit from taking college courses while still in high school. You can save money, time, and effort by taking college courses off-campus, which will also advance your career goals.

Skip the Adjustment Period

The increased level of performance required of freshmen in their new classes is frequently one of the most startling adjustments for them. When compared to high school courses, college courses typically require more time, effort, and focus both inside and outside of the classroom. They might also call for more advanced abilities in writing and critical thinking.

By enrolling in college-level courses while still in high school, you can begin to get a sense of what college-level work entails, which will make the transition and adjustment to college much easier once you set foot on campus.

Lower the Cost of Your Education

Before you even apply to a degree program, you could earn up to two years’ worth of college credits by enrolling in college courses in high school. You save a semester’s worth of tuition, books, and other expenses for college for each semester of credit you earn in high school.

Further Reading: Can You Apply To College As A Junior?

Students and their families may end up saving tens of thousands of dollars as a result. Online courses in particular can help you save money while allowing you to complete some of your general education and prerequisite requirements while relaxing at home.

As an illustration, the cost of the typical college course in 2022, including tuition, room, board, and other costs, was about $1,170.

Contrarily, a course from StraighterLine, like College Algebra, awards three college credits, comes with tutoring, textbooks, and proctoring for your final exam, and it might satisfy your college’s math requirement. And that course will only set you back $158 (for the class itself plus one month of our membership).

Take More Classes That Interest You

Before graduating, the majority of colleges mandate that all students pass a number of general education courses. You will therefore need to take a certain set of core classes regardless of your major.

By enrolling in college courses while still in high school, you can start your college education early and complete these general education requirements.

You can now devote more time in your college schedule to your interests, such as clubs and classes that help you pursue your hobbies or advance your career since you have less time to spend on these courses.

How to Take College Courses in High School?

Be Sure You Can Handle It

Courses in college are very different from those in high school. The work is typically more abstract, more extensive, and progresses more quickly. You’ll need to exercise initiative and self-control.

Additionally, you will need to fit your course schedule around your high school schedule in order to maintain your GPA unless you enroll in your course during the summer. Recall that some college summer programs require students to enroll in multiple college courses in order to receive credit.

Meet With Your High School Counselor First

If you’re unsure about your readiness for college-level coursework, your counselor can assist you. Students who are most prepared for college-level work are already doing exceptionally well in both their coursework as a whole and in the particular subject area, just like in honors and AP classes. Ask your counselor these questions:

• Can I substitute a college course for one that I need to take in high school?
• My college work will be on my high school transcript?
• Do I have the option of missing school to attend a class?
• Are there any conditions or limitations that I need to be aware of?
• Which local colleges accept high school students for enrollment?
• How can I enroll?

Contact the College

To find out more about eligibility requirements and enrollment processes, get in touch with the college’s registrar’s office as soon as you can. They can tell you which courses are available to high school students and give you a class schedule. These courses might be accessible through the college’s extension or adult learning programs.

Students may need to apply several months in advance to pre-college summer programs, and admission may be competitive.

Make Sure the Credit is Transferable

For credit at four-year institutions, some community college courses are not accepted. Check to see if any of your AP classes conflict with any of your college courses before enrolling. An AP exam and a college class in the same subject are typically not accepted as equivalents by colleges.

Find Out the Impact on Your High School Record

Your transcript from high school might include information about your college courses. Never mind if it doesn’t. Simply ask that an official transcript of your college work be sent to every college you’re applying to.

Consider Online Courses

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more colleges are now offering online courses. Just make sure the school is accredited, the program is available at the college level, and most other colleges will accept the credits. Make sure high school students can enroll in online courses as well.

Conclusion: Take College Courses in High School

Even though taking college courses in high school can be challenging and time-consuming, they can have a big impact. Saving money, impressing college admissions committees, and giving yourself more degree flexibility are all benefits of earning college credits while still in high school.

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