Dual Enrollment

What is dual enrollment?

• Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college courses while still in high school.
• Students can enroll in college courses at a community college or a four-year institution that partners with their high school.
• Students can take classes in person at high school or college, depending upon arrangement with college, or online. 
• Students can then apply the credits they earn towards both their high school and college graduation requirements. 

Benefits of dual enrollment

Students pursue dual enrollment primarily to enhance their GPA, distinguish themselves on college applications, and reduce tuition expenses.

Boost GPA

• Dual enrollments are typically graded on a 5-point scale, similar to AP courses in most school systems. This allows students to boost their GPA while taking courses that are generally less rigorous compared to AP courses.
• Students in on-level courses typically qualify for a few APs only by their junior year. By opting for dual enrollment, they can boost their GPA much earlier, starting as early as sophomore year.
• Typically, public and non-selective universities use GPA as one of their selection criteria. In such cases, having a higher GPA is always advantageous.

Boost College Application

• Dual enrollment can boost college applications by showing schools that students are proactive and ambitious.
• Certain colleges give significant weight to applicants who have completed rigorous dual enrollment programs with them.
• Students can enroll in specific courses that are not part of their high school curriculum to demonstrate their interest in those subjects.
• Dual enrollment exposes students to a range of courses before they choose their college major. 

Reduce tuition:

• Tuition costs are reduced when courses are taken through dual enrollment instead of during regular college terms.
• In some states, the program is funded by the state, the high school, or the college. Other times, the student is responsible for paying fees.
• Students who earn college credits early can graduate from college earlier, which saves money on tuition and other expenses.
• Students who graduate early can enter the workforce earlier and have more time in college for internships and other opportunities.

Dual Enrollment v/s Dual Credits:

• Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school.
• Most dual enrollment programs offer dual credit, enabling students to apply their college-level work towards both their high school curriculum and their college curriculum.

Key considerations for dual enrollment

• Colleges may not accept credit for dual enrollment courses taken at a different institution.
• Not all high schools provide dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment courses need special faculty.
• Dual enrollment requirements vary by school, but typically include
  • GPA: Maintaining a minimum GPA in high school and college 
  • Standardized tests: Certain colleges need Standardized test scores 
  • Approvals: Approval from school counselors is required for funding decisions.
• Choose courses that add value to your college app
• The duration of dual enrollment courses is typically a semester for high school classes and a college semester for courses taken at the college level.
• Unless you’re taking standard dual enrollment courses, you may encounter scheduling conflicts and need to make adjustments.

Things to watch out for dual enrollment

• College faculty tend to be less lenient, so if you don’t perform well, you risk lowering your GPA.
• You are expected to be independent, meaning there are no reminders for assignments or exams, which could result in missed grades

Summary

Dual enrollment offers several benefits, including:

• earning college credits while still in high school, 
• saving money on tuition, 
• gaining exposure to college-level coursework and expectations early on, 
• potentially graduating from college sooner, 
• exploring different academic fields, and 
• enhancing your college applications by demonstrating initiative and academic ability; 
• all while allowing you to potentially save time and money on your overall college education.