Earning College Credits While in High School

There are good programs available for getting college credits while in high school.

Earning College Credits While in High School

There are good programs available for getting college credits while in high school.

The most popular programs are Running Start, AP (advanced placement) classes, and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. These programs may have differing names such as Early College, College in the High School, or Dual Enrollment. For college bound students we feel being involved in one of these programs can be extraordinarily impactful.

The student gets college credit that will cost much less. Plus they get a taste of how challenging college classes will be, so they are prepared for the rigors of college classes when they go. With these classes as part of their transcript in applying for college – the admissions people will look more favorably, recognizing these classes are much more difficult than the average high school classes.

Furthermore, for the Running Start program in particular, students can complete coursework in an accelerated fashion. What takes nine months at the high school level is often completed in three months time at the collegiate level. Additionally, a student is full time at three courses per quarter at the collegiate level while the high school equivalent is eight or nine courses. This means that students may have a much shorter school day which is beneficial for working students, athletes pursuing collegiate athletics, or students who may just be feeling overwhelmed.

If a student has concerns about the impact on their social life; that’s very valid. We encourage students to recruit their friends to do courses together. Often, there is a greater flexibility to do classes together at the collegiate level than at the high school level.

If you have questions about transferability of courses or questions about any of these programs, please contact our office.

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