College Credit In High School

Is earning college credit while still in high school a good idea? There are several benefits for challenging yourself with college-level classes and earning college credit in high school.

Seeking out rigorous classes will help you:

• Prepare for college level coursework and see yourself as a college student

• Be more likely to enroll in college and continue past your first year

• To further explore your interests

• Demonstrate your academic ability

• Learn how to time manage and balance activities

• May save you money in college

Overloading on college credit bearing classes in high school will not impress college admissions counselors nor will it do you any favors. A conversation with your high school counselor will help you design a personal class schedule from what’s offered at your school that is appropriate for you and your goals.

You can earn college credit in high school in a variety of ways.

Advance Placement (AP) Classes offered at the high school followed by a test which may count for college placement or credit.

Dual Credit Classes at the high school which count for both college and high school credit.

International Baccalaureate (IB) A series of classes offered at the high school followed by a test which may count for college placement or credit.

Direct College Enrollment College classes taken on the college campus which count for high school credit and college credit. School districts often have programs which cover the costs.

– Ann Voorhees is founder of Ann Voorhees College Consulting

ann@annvoorhees.com