Earning College Credits While Still in High School

Most people entering college view it as a four-year commitment. With many college majors, such as education, it can even stretch into five years before the person earns their degree. 

 

But with some planning, high school students can shorten their time in college by an entire year or two. Not only will this save the serious student money, but it will allow them to enter the career of their choice much earlier than most. 

 

High School Classes Can Get You College Credit

Many high schools offer courses that can earn student college credits through a dual enrollment program. Quite a few of these courses can be taken as early as freshman year in high school. Through this program, the student is earning high school credits at the same time as they are acquiring college credits while they are taking a course. To receive the college credits, the student may be asked to write a paper or take an additional exam demonstrating their mastery of the system.

 

These courses can be taken a right inside a high school classroom, so no travel is needed. Plus, many of these courses are entirely free for the most part and will save the student money down the road. 

 

Accelerated High School Courses

Very similar to the dual credit program, the Advance Placement Program lets high school students take “accelerated courses” that are considered above and beyond what most high school classes usually are. If the student receives high enough scores, they can either qualify for course exemption when they enter college or receive college credit for the course. If posed with both options, always choose college credit. Course exemption allows you to skip that course while in college, but you still need credits to graduate with a degree. 

 

Start Taking Courses From Your Local Junior College 

It is a little-known fact that there is no minimum age requirement for college courses. The person has to desire to learn that subject or topic; then, they can enroll just like any other student. 

 

High school students should look into courses at their junior college to receive college credits now instead of waiting for later. It can allow them to earn a bachelor’s degree quite easily by the age of 20 with some planning ahead. The earlier the student earns their degree, the quicker they become professionals in their chosen field. And what student wouldn’t love being paid good money for being an accountant, educator, or whatever career they decided at such a young age while their peers are barely scraping by working fast food or something similar? 

 

Online College Classes Are More Popular Than Ever

Some countless colleges and universities will work with high school students in their desire to gain college credits while barely even being a teenager. But you don’t have to limit yourself to attending the local junior college to earn credits while still in high school. Online college courses are available to high school students as well. This is perfect for those kids who don’t have a local junior college to go to, do not have a driver’s license, or would instead earn these credits in the comfort of their homes. 

 

Your ACT or SAT Score Could Earn You College Credits

Students earning high scores in standardized exams such as the ACT or SAT can demonstrate their mastery of such subjects and receive college credit. This is called credit-by-exam, and according to college guidelines, a solid score can earn the student English and Math credits. However, not all colleges will allow this, so either visits their website to determine if this is a possibility or send an email or make a phone call. Something like this could help you figure out which college you will want to attend down the road. 

 

Need Assistance?

At iAchieve, we have professional tutors who work with students in person or online for almost any subject or grade level. We also have tutors specializing in standardized exams (if your goal is to earn college credits through these tests). Reach out and contact us, and we will help guide you to achieving the best scores you can.

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