You’ve heard the phrase: “Go to college and get a degree.” It’s what our parents told us, and it’s what generations of people have said before us. For many, that advice leads to success. But what if you’re already interested in pursuing a career in your high school years? You’ll still want to go to college, but you’ll also want ways to get ahead before you enroll. That’s where college credits come in. Let’s explore how they can help you find success in high school and beyond!
What Are College Credits?
College credits are units of study typically earned through a course, either in high school or at a postsecondary institution. College credits can measure the amount of work a student has completed and calculate his or her grade point average (GPA) and graduation requirements.
Earning College Credits With Online Courses
You may think that an online course will get you the credits required in college, but it is possible. Earning credits with online college courses is a great way to get your degree faster and save money. You can do it from anywhere, at any time of day, and you don’t have to worry about driving in heavy traffic or parking on campus. The best part is that you learn something! Online courses will prepare you for life after graduation by teaching skills like critical thinking, research methods, and time management.
Most colleges and universities accept credits earned by a student through online college courses. These courses offer credits across various fields and subjects. Moreover, online courses offer numerous benefits like flexibility, studying at your own pace, additional resources, tutoring, etc. Hence, students looking to earn academic credits can take online college courses.
These classes are also affordable: most course providers and universities charge between $100-$200 per credit hour (or less if you enroll in an introductory course or take a subscription).
Earning College Credits by Taking CLEP Exams
If you have already completed high school and have a basic knowledge of the subject, CLEP exams can give you college credit. CLEP is an acronym for College Level Examination Program—a set of exams that measure your knowledge of topics you’ve already learned in high school.
CLEP offers 33 different exams in dozens of subjects, including English literature and composition, history, biology, and calculus. You can take these tests after completing high school (even years later). They are offered at local colleges or universities; however, they can also be taken online from home or anywhere with internet access.
Earning College Credits by Taking Dual Enrollment
If you’re interested in taking dual enrollment courses, you should know a few things. Dual enrollment is a program through which students can earn college credits while still in high school. These courses may be offered at your local high school or community college.
The best way to find out if your school offers any dual enrollment programs is by asking your guidance counselor or principal. Some colleges and universities even offer classes that count toward specific majors.
You can also visit their website to see if they have anything listed under “Dual Enrollment.” Otherwise, search “community colleges” or “junior colleges” near where you live and call them directly for more information about the types of classes they offer that might qualify for dual credit at another college or university later on down the road.
Earning College Credits in High School With Summer College
Another great way is to earn college credits when you are still in high school with summer college. It can help you graduate early and save money, too! Summer colleges are academic programs offered to high school students during the summer months.
Many schools offer their own summer colleges, often free or low-cost. You might even be able to earn college credit while still in high school! Some colleges may even award you credit transferable back home to your local university, saving you up to two years worth of tuition costs if you decide not to attend the same university as your parents or guardians.
How Many College Credits Can I Earn?
The number of college credits you can earn depends on your high school curriculum, the type of high school you attend, and the type of online course you take. For example:
- If your high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, you likely have enough credits to skip a year.
- If your state provides dual enrollment programs, then there’s a good chance that earning those credits will count towards admission into a university in that state.
- Suppose your course is taught by an instructor who has experience with college-level material and is approved by the institution or department that will accept it as credit-worthy work. In that case, there’s also a good chance that earning those credits will count towards admission to a university in that state or region.
Earning College Credits Through Your High School Increases Your Chances of College Success
Earning college credits while you’re still in high school can increase your chances of success when it comes to graduating from college. This is because earning college credits through a high school or community college program gives you more time for classes during your last two years of high school. It also reduces the number of classes you’ll need to take at a four-year institution once you’re ready for college. Earning these extra courses will save money since many colleges charge tuition by credit hour.
However, if earning these credits through your high school isn’t possible due to various reasons (e.g., location), don’t worry! There are other ways to earn them like online courses, CLEP exams, dual enrollment programs, summer programs, etc.
Conclusion
While earning college credits through your high school isn’t the end-all answer, it can help you get to the next level. If you want to try out college-level work before committing to a four-year program, or if you want to start earning toward your degree right away, this is an option for you. The key is to keep in mind that getting credits during high school doesn’t mean a free ride; it just means working hard and proving yourself.