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Formulas for Career Success: Higher Learning

Earning College Credit in

High School

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Questions

• What options are available for earning college credit in high school?

• Who teaches AP courses and how is credit earned?

• Who teaches dual enrollment courses and how is credit earned?

• What are the benefits of earning college credit in high school?

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College Credits

• May be earned while still in high school– programs vary by state and by school– opportunities include:

• advanced placement (AP) classes• International Baccalaureate

Diploma Programme• dual enrollment• summer courses

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Advanced Placement Courses

• Are also known as AP courses• Are introductory college-level

courses taught in high schools– include 34 subject areas– created and controlled by

The College Board

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Advanced Placement Courses

• Include college-level curriculum– critical thinking is encouraged– class discussion is common

• Conclude with an exam– students are rated on a five-point scale– students who score 4 or 5 on the exam

are able to qualify out of corresponding introductory college courses and may even receive college credits

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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

• Is also known as the IB program• Offers college-level courses through

a two-year integrated diploma program– consists of six subject groups– designed for the last two years of high

school

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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

• Includes college-level curriculum– in-depth research and writing are required– critical-thinking skills are developed– hands-on learning is encouraged

• Includes assessments throughout the program and a concluding exam– students with satisfactory performance

are awarded the International Baccalaureate diploma, which is recognized by universities around the world and generally worth college credit

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AP & IB

• Are both more challenging than normal high-school curriculum– faster pace– more research, reading and writing– in-depth lab experiences– comprehensive projects

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AP & IB

• Are often compared because they both offer college-level curriculum to high school students– the advantage of AP is the ability to

sign up for individual classes based on strengths and interests

– the advantage of IB is the integrated curriculum and international recognition of the program

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Dual Enrollment

• Is a program allowing students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school– courses are often taken at the college

campus, but may also be offered at the high school campus or even online

• Allows the transition from high school to college to be less daunting for a student– provides exposure to college curriculum

and often the college atmosphere

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Dual Enrollment

• Course credits are often applied toward high school and college graduation or may be transferred to other colleges and universities– depending on the institution and course

• Requirements may include a minimum age or grade point average

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Summer Courses

• Are offered by many higher learning institutions– these institutions often allow high

school students to enroll• Allow for full immersion in the

college atmosphere and experience without long-term commitment

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Summer Courses

• Are a good option for students who feel they might be overwhelmed by or too busy for AP, IB or dual enrollment– taking college courses during the

summer prevents conflicts with normal high school commitments, such as extracurricular activities

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Earning College Credit

• During high school is challenging and requires hard work and dedication– before signing up:

• research options to find what would best fit needs

• think about if the extra work would be manageable

• talk to school counselors, parents and even friends for advice and guidance

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Earning College Credit

• During high school can be beneficial in many ways– provide opportunity to get basic college

courses out of the way early, allowing for focus on areas of interest once in college

– enhance transcript and résumé– act as preparation for full college

immersion– allow for early career exploration and self-

discovery