DUAL CREDIT:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
What is Dual Credit?
One of the most well-known and widely utilized methods of getting additional college credits is through Dual Credit programs. Dual Credit allows students to take classes that count towards their high school diploma and college degree.
Some of the most common dual credit course options for high school students are core general education courses that are required for most college degree programs, though students can also complete career or technical education coursework.
Dual credit courses can be taken at high schools, physical college locations, and even online. It allows the students to earn both high school and college credits in the same semester. It is an opportunity for them to accelerate their education, save time and money, and get ahead of the game.
More than 80% of public U.S. high schools offer dual credit. Students should talk to their high school administrators/guidance counselors to learn about the options they have available.
Typical Dual Credit Eligibility Requirements
Dual credit courses are usually only open to high school juniors and seniors. In order to enroll, students typically must meet the same admissions requirements as their college-level peers. For some courses and programs, these include minimum required scores on college admissions exams, such as the ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test.).
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Who Should Pursue Dual Credit?
There are a few different types of students who may find themselves interested in pursuing dual credit. The most common type is the high school student who is looking to get a jump start on their college career. These students often take advantage of dual credit programs offered through their high school or local community college. Other students who may pursue dual credit include homeschoolers, adult learners, and international students.
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Dual credit can be a great way to get ahead in your education, but it's not right for everyone. Before you decide to enroll in a dual credit program, it's important to understand what it is and how it works. You should also consider your goals and objectives to see if dual credit is the right fit for you.
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How Do I Find a College that Offers Dual Credit?
If you're interested in pursuing dual credit, the first step is finding a college that offers the program. This can be tricky, as not all colleges offer dual credit opportunities.
There are a few different ways to find a college that offers dual credit. One way is to ask your high school counselor if they know of any colleges in the area that offer the program. Another way is to search online for "dual credit colleges" or "dual credit programs." This should bring up a list of colleges that offer dual credit opportunities.
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Once you've found a college that offers dual credit, the next step is to contact the admissions office and inquire about the program. They will be able to tell you what courses are available for dual credit, and what the requirements are for enrolling in the program.
How Much Money Will Dual Credit Cost Me?
The cost of taking dual credit courses can vary depending on the school you attend and the state you live in. In general, however, taking dual credit courses will likely cost you less than if you were to take the same courses at a traditional four-year college or university. Additionally, many schools offer financial assistance for students taking dual credit courses, so be sure to check with your school's financial aid office to see if you qualify for any discounts.
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Benefits of Dual Credit Courses
• You'll be able to earn your degree or certificate in a shorter period of time.
• Taking dual credit courses in high school costs less than taking college-level classes while enrolled in a college or post-secondary technical school.
• Most dual credit course credits may be transferred to whatever college you plan to attend, be it nearby or across the country.
• You'll gain college-level academic experience, making your overall transition to post-secondary education much smoother.
• Studies indicate that if you take dual credit courses in high school, you'll have a greater chance of succeeding in college and earning your degree.
The decision to take college-level courses in high school is based off of many factors, including course offerings at your school and individual goals. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of dual credit courses.
Dual credit pro #1: You can gain a college advantage
Enrolling in dual credit courses while in high school can benefit you throughout your college career. First, dual credit courses are often significantly more affordable per credit hour than taking the equivalent class while in college. Second, these credits may count toward general requirements, and they may allow you to graduate early or to have more time in your schedule to take major-related or elective courses.
Additionally, dual credit courses can give you the competitive edge you need to boost your transcript and college applications. This is especially effective if your high school doesn’t offer AP or IB courses, or if the college you’d like to attend already has an existing partnership with a community college that you can take courses at.
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Dual credit pro #2: You can sample a college workload and course style
Dual credit courses introduce you to the expected workload of a college class. They give you an idea of what college-level courses will require of you, such as project and exam expectations. You’ll also be able to get a head start on developing college study habits well before your freshman year. Note participation requirements and the lengths of required readings in an effort to prepare yourself for what classes will look like in college.
College courses are offered in many different styles, and dual credit courses may offer you similar flexibility. Note that you may have the ability to take dual credit courses in a variety of formats, such as:
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At your high school
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At a local community college
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Online
Here are some online options:
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Students can earn up to 60 credits while still in high school
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52 different course offerings
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Credits cost $52.50 + books/fees
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Courses worth 4 credits
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Offered as 7-week and 15-week class periods
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Available to high school juniors and seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or above, and high school sophomores with an unweighted GPA of 3.25 or above.
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Over 100 course offerings
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Credits cost $183
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Offered as 8-week and 16-week class periods
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Available to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.00 or above.
Taking dual credit courses on a college campus or online may give you access to faculty and resources at that particular institution. Examine all available options to decide which might work best with your preferred learning style.
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Dual credit pro #3: You can explore your interests
While you may not know just yet what your college major will be, taking a dual credit course can allow you to explore classes in your areas of interest in a low-risk environment. Sometimes, regular high school courses can be limited in their offerings. If you have even the faintest idea of what you’d like to pursue in college, seek out dual credit courses that would support that. Spend time in those classes identifying whether or not this focus area is the right fit for you. Pinpointing areas of interest could save you time and money down the road.
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Dual credit con #1: Not all colleges accept dual credits
This is one of the most important factors to consider when examining dual credit courses. Even if you do all of the work and perform well in the course, your intended college may not accept dual credit due to specific policies. Regardless of if you’re unsure which college you’ll ultimately attend, it can be helpful to gather as much information as possible on the topic. Contact the colleges to which you’re applying and ask about their acceptance of dual credits. Take this information and factor it into your decision.
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Dual credit con #2: They may not provide the challenge you’re looking for
When deciding if dual credit courses are the right fit for you, don’t forget to consider how they may stack up against other options at your school, like AP courses. For example, if you take a dual credit course while your school offers and is known for rigorous AP courses, the dual credit class may not give you the competitive edge that you’re looking for.
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Keep in mind that it’s about what works best for you, though. For example, you might want to take a less rigorous dual credit course because it’ll challenge you the appropriate amount. Talk to your academic counselor to discover which option will be best for you.
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Dual credit con #3: The grades are permanent
Unlike regular high school courses, grades from a dual credit course—because they’re also college courses—will have their own college transcript. If you’re concerned about succeeding in a particular dual credit course, be honest with yourself before enrolling. It’s great to be ambitious in your course choices, but be realistic as well.
Reach out to classmates, teachers, and your counselor to see how they’ve experienced dual credit courses. You’ll be able to make a more informed decision about what’s right for your present and future once you take stock of the options. As a side benefit, you’ll learn more about how the college process works and what kinds of opportunities—and potential roadblocks—you’ll encounter along the way.
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What are Some Tips for Success in a Dual Credit Program?
Now, if you're thinking about enrolling in a dual credit program, here are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success:
1. Talk to your guidance counselor. They can help you figure out if dual credit is right for you and what courses will best fit your needs.
2. Do your research. Not all dual credit programs are created equal. Make sure you understand the requirements and expectations of the program you're considering before you commit.
3. Get organized. Dual credit courses require more time and effort than regular high school classes. Make sure you're prepared to juggle both schoolwork and college-level assignments by staying organized and on top of your deadlines.
4. Be proactive. Don't wait until problems arise to ask for help or clarification from your instructors. If you're struggling with a concept or assignment, reach out early and often so you can get the assistance you need to succeed.
5. Keep your eye on the prize. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the rigors of a dual credit program. Remember why you're taking on this challenge in the first place, and stay motivated by envisioning yourself earning college credit and completing your degree sooner than you
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Conclusion
Dual credit is a great way to get ahead in college while still in high school. It's important to research your options and talk to your guidance counselor to see if it's right for you. With dual credit, you can take college courses and earn credits that will transfer to most colleges and universities. You'll save money on tuition, get a jump start on your degree, and develop the skills you need to be successful in college. If you're motivated and ready to take on the challenge, dual credit is a great option for you.