The dual enrollment program has been around for a number of years, but in the past few years, it has become more popular. Many schools offer it, and many students enroll in dual-credit classes to save money on tuition and may graduate from high school faster.
The dual enrollment program can benefit any student interested in taking college-level courses but might not score as high on standardized tests. It is up to the individual student and their parents to decide if it is a good option for them.
One thing that needs consideration before dual-enrolling into college-level courses is whether or not your local institution, including community college, offers these same classes. If they do, then you could go through your school’s curriculum with the added benefit of dual-enrolling into college-level courses.
However, dual enrollment means dual credit, and this means you have to be very careful to choose classes, even at a community college, that will transfer once you graduate from high school.
These classes could potentially benefit students who are further along in their studies than other students at their grade level. Still, your school’s curriculum is just as important if there is a lack of dual enrollment courses available in your school district.
What is Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment, also known as dual credit, is a program that allows students to take college-level classes while still high school students. These courses are popular with many students who want to save money on tuition, get ahead in college, and demonstrate a substantial degree of college readiness.
Studying dual enrollment is important for students looking to save money on tuition and graduate from college faster. It provides dual credit, meaning that the student will take college-level courses while high school students, often at a community college. Home schooled students find college dual enrollment especially beneficial to earn college credit.
However, this isn’t always a good idea for every student. Some dual enrollment students think that credits will automatically transfer to all colleges and universities.
Unfortunately, this is not true. Many colleges do not guarantee to accept such classes, such as Boston University and American University. Those who may have already taken all of their dual enrollment options at the high school level may rather spend that time learning more about their major instead of taking another course they wouldn’t benefit from.
So when should you recommend dual enrollment? When it’s best suited for the individual’s goals, as long as it works with their schedule and doesn’t conflict with any other classes they may be taking.
Before Dual-Enrolling
Dual enrollment is beneficial for any student, regardless of their plans after high school. Dual-enrolling, which means dual credit, is a program that allows students to take college-level classes as high school juniors or seniors. These courses are popular with many students who want to save money on tuition and get ahead on their college coursework.
However, before dual-enrolling into college-level courses, it’s essential to consider whether your local institution or community college offers the same classes. In this way, you can understand what you will be studying and compare costs before committing to dual enrollment at a private university or online at an out-of-state school.
Looking into these classes also ensures that if there are any problems with dual enrollment at a particular institution, such as unfulfilled promises or poor quality instructors, you have time to make other plans for taking college courses.
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
The process of dual-enrolling is similar to college classes in that students are expected to attend regularly and do whatever homework they assign. However, dual enrollment courses are generally cheaper than regular courses taken at your university or community college and are often paid for by the state in some cases, such as Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program.
Furthermore, these students will have more opportunities to connect with their instructors and other dual-enrolled students in the class, giving you an edge when it comes time to apply to college or find a job in the community.
Students often wonder whether it will look good on their transcript when they take dual enrollment. Some colleges do not give full academic credit for these courses.
A Solid Foundation
However, dual enrollment can provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and demonstrate college readiness before you begin your college career. This experience may make it easier to adjust to the rigorous coursework of an actual degree program.
For these reasons, dual enrollment is probably best suited to ambitious students who want to get ahead in college, graduate faster, or save money on tuition. You save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for every credit you earn at your university.
Therefore, these programs are for students who want to fast-track their education. Still, it’s also suitable for any student who wants to take college courses before finishing high school.
These courses can be worth taking even if you don’t meet specific criteria, like saving time on tuition. Though it may not look as good on your transcript as full college credit, dual enrollment can still provide you with a valuable foundation of knowledge.
Additionally, it can give you an edge when it comes time to apply to colleges. Therefore, dual enrollment is a good option for any student who wants to get a head start on their college career.
Is Dual Enrollment for You?
To decide whether it is right for you, consider weighing the pros and cons of dual enrolling vs. going through your school’s curriculum. Dual enrollment can save you time and money on tuition, but it can also be more challenging to juggle your schoolwork with college-level courses. Talk to your parents and teachers to see if it is the best option for you.
Dual enrollment can be a great way to get ahead in your education. By taking college-level courses while you’re still in high school, you can save money on tuition and graduate faster from college in the end.
Make sure to research the dual enrollment credit program at your chosen school carefully and check with your high school counselor in your school district about making sure you get high school credit too. Before enrolling, there are typically prerequisites, so talk to an advisor if you have any questions.
