Dolphin STEM AcademyAre you a high school student who is eager to start your dream degree for your career path? Or maybe you are wondering how to finish your degree earlier than the expected number of college years? Whatever your quest, right now is a great time to get ahead and start earning college credit early. Programs such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program), dual enrollment, and Advanced Placement (AP) can help you get a head start on your college education and save you both time and money. In this blog, we will explore the options and benefits so you can make an informed decision on accelerating your education.
Benefits of Earning College Credit Early
There are many benefits to earning college credits early while in high school. Check out some of them below to help determine if this path is right for you!
Time and Money Savings
Earning college credits so you can potentially graduate from college earlier, can save you both time and money on tuition fees.
Academic Challenge
Accelerated and college level classes provide you with rigorous academic experience and help prepare you for the demands of college-level coursework.
Interest Exploration
Earning college credit early gives you the opportunity to explore different subject areas of interest before committing to a specific major or career path.
Enhanced College Applications
Colleges value students who take initiative and demonstrate an ability to handle college-level coursework. Earning college credits can strengthen your college applications and set you apart from other applicants.
Ways to Earn College Credit Early
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program offers you the opportunity to earn college credits by achieving satisfactory scores on subject-specific tests. CLEP exams cover a wide range of subjects including English, math, science, social science, and foreign languages. With every CLEP examination you pass, you can earn 3 or more college credits for your chosen degree making it possible to earn college credit before even
setting foot on campus. The CLEP exams are ideal for those students who are taking homeschool classes and those who are currently taking a Gap Year, a program for experiential learning that can be taken between high school and college. Prior to starting your testing with CLEP, it is recommended that you research the colleges you are considering to make sure the credits you earn will count towards your chosen major.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment programs find themselves quite popular among high school students. They provide an opportunity to enroll in college courses while still being in high school. These programs allow you to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Dual enrollment provides you with a real college experience by allowing you to challenge yourself academically and learn to adapt to the demands of higher education. The credits you earn can provide you with a head start in your academic journey but as mentioned before, research the college you are considering to ensure the credit you earn counts towards your chosen major.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Advanced Placement, or AP courses, are rigorous college-level courses that are offered in high school and are designed to give you credit towards your chosen degree or advanced placement in college courses by scoring well on corresponding exams. Courses offered vary by school, but class options often include art, statistics, chemistry, computer science, psychology, history, world languages, and biology. AP courses are a great chance to earn college credits and demonstrate your ambition for higher knowledge, which is looked favorably on by the college admission teams. Earning college credit early through programs like CLEP, dual enrollment, and AP courses can be a valuable opportunity for high school students. These programs give you the opportunity to accelerate your education, save time and money, and challenge yourself academically. Are you ready to start earning college credit today? Dolphin STEM Academy is excited to offer Dual Enrollment programs and a wide range AP courses you can take through our private, online school. Learn more on our website.
