The high school years are filled with social and academic learning experiences. Taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities can be just as important as school involvement and volunteer work. Why is dual credit coursework so advantageous?
Academic Adjustment
The academic challenge of college course work during high school can mirror or substitute advanced placement courses. Students are expected to perform post-secondary work with college students of all ages. This is a great way to adjust to college academics while having the support of a smaller college and the encouragement of parents and family at home. Considering classes at the college for high school credit fulfills the requirement at both levels. This is what it means to be dual enrolled.
Career and Technical Education
The benefits of dual enrollment outweigh the academic challenge. Colleges offer programs within the career and technical education (CTE) umbrella leading to certification options. Students planning to study structural engineering, for example, often benefit from this program. An engineering-prep student might consider taking the engineering survey class, Calculus and perhaps, pursue a welding certification. This provides practical knowledge of metals and structures for later theoretical application. There are numerous certification pathways available for high school students at the community college level.
Reduce University Cost
Many careers only require a certification from a community college. Students interested in these pathways can start or complete the process while in high school. Dual credit is not just for technical certifications. University-bound students can benefit as well. Taking foundational courses like English Composition I and II and College Algebra, can reduce stress and university costs. Some high school students shave an entire year or more completed before beginning their university studies. Dual enrollment reduces the higher cost university coursework. Most of the first year and part of the second year is primarily general requirements that also meet high school graduation requirements.
Eliminating general education classes reduces the university load. The general requirements, English, math, science, social science, and modern language, are usually packed at the university. In fact, many joking refer to these courses as ‘weed-out’ classes because they are large with big failure rates. Completing as many general requirements as possible during high school insures a smaller class size and more support. In most states, for example, English Composition I and II counts for senior English credit. Every state and school district has a different requirement so meeting with a school counselor to plan a dual enrollment pathway is the best course of action.
Dual enrollment during high school places students above the curve. Whether seeking a technical certification or eliminating required generals, or both, the opportunity outweighs the challenge.
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