As soon-to-be college students consider their options for the future, an early start on college classes might make sense for some. Let’s take a look at the possibility of dual enrollment — what it is and how to consider if it’s right for you.
Dual enrollment courses allow a student to earn college credit alongside high school classes.
It’s different from Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes, which have end-of-course tests that colleges use to determine whether any credit will be granted. Upon completing a dual enrollment course, the student is given a letter grade which, upon transfer, usually counts in the student’s GPA.
Locations vary
Dual enrollment looks different from college to college. Sometimes classes are offered on the high school campus. Other times, classes are offered at the college or online. Some colleges have a specific course schedule for dual enrollment students.
You can find out more about dual enrollment options offered at different colleges and universities and the specifics of each program by visiting their websites or talking with your high school guidance counselor.
When weighing the value of dual enrollment classes, consider the following:
- If you already know which college or university you are planning to attend, start there. That way you can find out if the college offers dual enrollment classes, whether they accept transfer credits from another college and which transfer credits they might accept.
- If you don’t know which college or university you’re planning to attend, look at a range of places you might be considering and decide how many credits you think might be worth your time and money. Some institutions offer financial aid to take dual enrollment; others offer the classes at a reduced rate. Some accept more transfer credits from other institutions, some accept less.
- If you’re feeling ambitious, and you’re interested in earning an associate’s degree, some colleges and universities offer the option to take enough credits to earn an associate’s degree before you ever graduate from high school. You can read more about that at the Alabama Community College System’s website, www.accs.edu/academics/dual-enrollment.
More information
Find a summary of Alabama Baptist colleges’ dual enrollment options and policies at tabonline.org/dual-enrollment.
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