Dual HS/College Credit
(Our New #1 Favorite---sometimes)
While recently going through the process of assisting our High School Grad in selection of a Major, a College, and the
"Credit by Exam" strategies we were about to employ----we realized many things. First off---as outlined earlier, after several College visits and lots of phone conversations with Institutional Personnel, we discovered a serious need for a resource like CollegeDawg. Secondly, after a little research, we became aware of some significant Missed Opportunities we could've approached WAY MORE EFFECTIVELY during our Grad's Junior and Senior Years...
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THE UTILIZATION OF "DUAL CREDIT" CLASSES IS BY FAR #1
We definitely made some missteps. I personally, hadn't been too involved in the AP's selected, or paid much attention to the Dual Credits signed up for (as related to our current "Speed to Degree" concept). In fact, I wasn't even that well-versed on the rules for Automatic Scholarships in SC--which can be greatly impacted by these Dual Credits. Simply put----I didn't know a lot of the finer points of the details we're sharing with you. My bad for sure. I just assumed with the incoming credits from all his hard work (AP's & a few Dual Credits) plus the CLEPs & DSSTs I had planned for him, it would get him to the Junior level (or very close to it) before College started. Did it end up being an effective route? For the Most Part, Yes. But was it the best route in this case. NOPE. I shoulda pushed for more of these Dual Credits & been a little less reliant on our "Favorite Strategies" of CLEPs and DSSTs. CollegeDawg's Roadmap could have been SUPPLEMENTED GREATLY BY DUAL CREDITS for the optimum “Speed to Degree”. That was my mistake, and I hope I can keep you from doing the same.
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Dual Credits under certain circumstances are perhaps the new #1 route to get a head start. NO DOUBT.
This One's Not Complicated...
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For CollegeDawg's Purpose the Advantages are Pretty Simple
1. An Average Student can earn College Credit without having to take a Standardized Test
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2. That Credit can be Earned with a minimum Grade of a "C" (in most HS settings)
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3. The Student gets some GPA Bonus Points for taking a "harder class" - just like an AP Course ​​​
(More on that in the "AP" Section---for now, just note in the state of SC there is the possibility of 1.0+ points added per class)
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4. The Dual Credit Courses typically meet credits needed to graduate from High School anyway...
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These are Big-Time Opportunities for Sure...
​But Let's Take a Step Back...
What Exactly Are Dual Credits & How Do They Work?
1. Actual College classes, but taken for the HS class credits you already need to graduate
(then magically they are also good for College). Does it get any better?
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2. Typically taken through your local Community College or "Technical College"
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3. Sometimes taught at your High School---but also Online or at the Community College
4. Generally, they’re the same amount of actual classroom hours
5. Sometimes the EXACT SAME TEACHER for other AP classes teach these as well!
Do yourself a favor and look up “Halo Effect”.
6. THIS IS GONNA IRRITATE SOMEONE--but I’ve often found this to be true (through the
eyes of hundreds of students). Basic level courses at a Community College can often be
somewhat less demanding (and sometimes even a tad easier) than an AP class with a tough teacher.
It just kinda is what it is.
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7. NOW, WE'LL USE SOME COMMON SENSE (combined with a little Strategery). Let's keep it simple and say you have 4 basic ways in HS to get College Credit before heading off to School. Between AP, CLEP, DSST & Dual Credits you can knock out tons of requirements (pretty much 2+ years in various combinations). However, if I have a kid that isn't the best test taker---they're gonna take EVERY Dual Credit class offered---even if I have to go to the HS & beg. If they're a hard worker, they should be able to pull out a B or C and we're good. Just let your Teachers and Counselors know what you're trying to do.
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We're almost certain they'll help you MAKE IT HAPPEN.
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*Lastly (on Dual Credit Courses in General).
There Does Seem to be One Significant Obstacle with These.
Based on our research, it sounds like there might not be as many offered as there
could be in certain areas/regions.
Like the # of AP classes offered, Dual Credit options can be a little limited. Make sure you get involved in the local High School if you want to see this (or the AP)
PROGRAM EXPANDED.
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One great & pretty simple solution would be to add more Virtual or Online courses.
With these, several "challenges" can be addressed far more easily.
1. The Number of Students who Can Sign Up
2. The Logistics and Need for Classroom Space to Accommodate Large Groups
3. Easily Finding Instructors who can Teach them---since they can Teach from Anywhere
4. Transportation Issues for some Students when a Class is only Offered at the College
5. The Ability to have some Recorded or Self-Pace sections (that are easily used again)
Anyway, make sure you let em' know you're open to ALL OPTIONS!!!
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These Dual Credit Classes are a Game-Changer
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So to wrap this section up...
Obviously, we at CollegeDawg are huge fans of HS/College Dual Credit courses and
they are definitely in our Top 3 "Speed to Degree" Strategies.
At the beginning of this section, we mentioned they may be ranked #1 under "Certain Circumstances".
You may be wondering what that meant. Well, we're giving you so many options to knock out a year or 2
of College, that it all comes down to Personal Preference, Abilities, and Overall Situation.
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For instance, I'd much rather do some online Prep & knock out a College Class with one 60-90 min. Exam.
With the tools these online sites provide SPECIFICALLY GEARED to pass nearly all "Credit by Exam" tests,
It's kinda a lay-down for a decent test taker...
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However--if I HAD TO TAKE SOME MORE CREDITS for HS Graduation, knowing what I know now,
Dual Credits woulda been the ticket. Why take it twice when I can take it once?
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BUT HONESTLY, WHO REALLY CARES WHAT I THINK?? This is about YOU.
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JUST GET THE CREDITS (And Get Started Today)!