If you’re wondering if you can take college classes in high school, yes, you can! Taking college classes while you’re still in high school is an excellent way to get ahead in your education, save money on tuition, and explore college-level coursework.
There are several pathways available for high school students to get a jump on their college education, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, summer college classes, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to make a plan.
What Is the Earliest You Can Take College Classes?
The timeline for taking college classes varies based on the program and institution. Most high school students get a head start on college with AP courses during their high school years, which are developed by the College Board and available in over 30 subjects.
AP courses are often available for students in their junior year, but some other programs allow younger students to take college-level courses. For example, Sophia allows students as young as 13 to take college courses for future credits. Dual enrollment programs also have age- and grade-level requirements that vary by state and institution. The best way to plan is by talking to your school counselor about the opportunities that are available in your area.
Summer College Classes for High School Students
Many colleges and universities offer summer programs designed specifically for high school students. These classes give you an opportunity to experience college coursework in a more flexible setting and often cover a range of general education subjects, such as college-level math, English, and science.
Some programs are residential, offering an on-campus experience to prepare you for college, while others are available online. Taking summer courses can help lighten your future college course load and provide a glimpse into the rigors of college academics.
Online Dual Enrollment Programs for High School Students
Dual enrollment programs allow you to take college courses for credit that count toward both your high school diploma requirements and some of the general education credits for your future college degree. Many institutions offer online dual enrollment options, making early college courses more accessible for students with busy schedules and limited transportation options.
Online dual enrollment is a great choice for students looking to earn college credits while managing other responsibilities, like extracurricular activities, without becoming overwhelmed. However, dual enrollment can come with a heavier course load, higher academic expectations, and more demands for studying and assignments.
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Seek Out Local Colleges That Allow High School Students
Seek Out Local Colleges That Allow High School Students
Looking into local colleges and universities is another option for taking college classes while in high school. Some community colleges have partnerships with local high schools for both in-person and online courses for eligible students. These colleges may also allow high school students to enroll in specific courses, either for credit or as part of an early college program.
If you’re interested in taking college classes at a local community college, talk to your school counselor and the community college academic advisor to help you explore your options.
How Many College Credits Can You Get in High School?
The number of college credits you can earn in high school depends on the specific program:
AP courses offer college credit if you pass the AP exam with a qualifying score, but the credit acceptance depends on the policies of your preferred university or college.
Dual enrollment can enablestudents to accumulate anywhere from a few credits to an associates degree by the time they graduate high school, depending on the courses they take.
Summer programs usually offer about 3 credits per course, and you’re limited to how many courses you can fit into the summer schedule.
Since each university and college has different policies on transferring credits, it’s important to check with an advisor at your intended college to see how your credits will apply to your degree.
Tips for Taking College Classes as a High School Student
Interested in taking college classes as a high school student? Here are some tips for success:
Plan ahead: Meet with your high school counselor and research the credit transfer policies at your potential colleges.
Manage your time wisely: College courses require more independent study, so staying organized is crucial to your success. While it’s great to earn college credits, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your grades in high school classes.
Start with general education courses: Gen ed courses are fairly consistent across degree programs and have a higher likelihood of transferring to most colleges and universities compared to degree-specific courses.
Take advantage of online options: Online learning platforms like Sophia offer self-paced college-level gen ed courses that are designed for transfer – and they’re available to students as young as 13!
Stay motivated: Balancing high school and college classes can be challenging, but staying focused can pay off in the long run with a jump start on your college degree.
Experience College-Level Curriculum Early
Enrolling in college courses while you’re still in high school is a smart move if you want to get ahead and experience some of the rigors of college curriculum early. If you’re ready to try out college-level coursework without the commitment of full enrollment, Sophia offers individual self-paced courses with a subscription plan. Start your free trial today!
