For a motivated student, education doesn’t stop at the class bell. High school students are increasingly turning to online college courses to challenge themselves academically, explore potential majors, and even earn credits long before stepping foot on a college campus.
If you’re a high school student – or a parent supporting one – here’s what you need to know about the benefits of online college courses, how to choose the right classes, and how to juggle it all with your existing schoolwork.
Benefits of Taking Online College Courses in High School
Cost
Many online college courses can be more affordable than traditional classes. Some high schools even cover part of the tuition with dual enrollment programs, giving you a head start on your degree while saving money on future college costs.
Flexibility
It can be difficult to balance college courses with a full schedule of high school classes, extracurricular activities, and work. Online courses are often self-paced or asynchronous giving you flexibility to complete your work when it works best for you and juggle the rest of your responsibilities.
Exploring Interests
Not sure what you want to study in college? With online courses, you can sample introductory classes across fields such as psychology, economics, computer science, or business before committing to a major.
College Readiness
Arguably, the biggest advantage of taking online college courses is preparation for the college-level rigor. Online college courses expose you to the expectations, workload, and pace of academics on the college level, helping you prepare with lower stakes.
By the time you officially enroll, you’ll have a good grasp of managing deadlines, navigating online platforms, and communicating with professors. Plus, you may start college a step ahead with credits you already earned.
Networking Opportunities
Online courses don’t just offer academic knowledge. They can connect you with professors and peers outside your high school community. These early connections can be valuable when you’re seeking recommendation letters, exploring career paths, or looking for internships in the future.
Confidence Building
Taking on – and succeeding in – college-level coursework during high school builds confidence. It shows admissions counselors (and you) that you can handle higher workloads and expectations, giving you the reassurance that you’re capable of thriving in a college environment.
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How to Choose the Right Online College Courses
Not every online course will be the right fit. Here’s what to consider before enrolling:
Personal Interests
Taking early college courses is a good way to enrich your educational experience. Pick classes that spark curiosity or align with your passions. It’s much easier to stay motivated when you’re excited about the subject.
Career Goals
If you’re already set on your career path, look for courses that align with your future field. For example, take biology or chemistry if you’re leaning toward healthcare. If you’re interested in engineering, you can get some advanced math courses out of the way.
Transferability
Though online college courses often offer transfer credits, it’s not a guarantee. Make sure the credits you earn can transfer to the colleges you’re considering. Each school has different policies, so check with the admissions counselors before committing.
Gen Eds
General education (gen ed) courses are required for all undergraduate degrees and encompass broad subject areas like math, science, and English. Because these courses are fairly standard across schools, they often can transfer. Getting your gen eds done early can give you more flexibility for electives – not to mention potentially saving time and money on your degree.
Workload Fit
Not all online courses are structured the same. Some may rely on timed exams, while others require weekly discussions or big projects. Before enrolling, review the syllabus and make sure the workload is manageable for your schedule and study habits.
Tips for Enrolling in Online College Courses
Getting started with online college courses is often easier than you think, but it does take some planning:
Talk to an advisor: Many schools have partnerships with local colleges or online learning programs that allow dual enrollment. Talk to your counselor about the options that are available to you in your area.
Research the schools you’ll be applying to: If you already have a shortlist of colleges in mind, check their policies on dual enrollment or transfer credits.
Track enrollment deadlines and requirements: Enrollment dates, placement tests, and documentation requirements can sneak up on you, especially if you’re balancing a lot of responsibilities. Keep a checklist to stay organized and get everything in early.
- Leverage trial periods: Many online learning platforms offer free trials or sample lessons (like Sophia!). Take advantage of trail periods to see if the platform’s teaching style, pace, and support resources are a good match for your learning preferences.
Balancing Online College Courses with High School Work
Adding college-level coursework to an already full schedule can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it’s completely manageable.
Master Time Management
Time management is a crucial skill in college. Break down your assignments into smaller tasks and set weekly goals. This will keep you focused and on track without deadlines piling up and overwhelming you.
Keep a Shared Calendar for Assignments
Working with multiple calendars or schedules is a good way to miss important tasks. Sync your high school and college assignments in one calendar, whether digital or paper, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Create a Study Environment
Set up a quiet, distraction-free spot for coursework. Stock it with notebooks, flash cards, pens and pencils, calculators, or any other supplies you may need for your courses.
Get a Head Start on College
Online college courses for high school students offer a powerful opportunity to save money, explore interests, and prepare for the future – all while giving you a head start on your degree. With the right planning and balance, you can take full advantage of these programs and set yourself up for success.
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