Dual Enrollment - A Step Ahead
For many, senior year is spent applying to college, taking standardized tests, and day dreaming about graduation day, but what many students do not realize is that Keystone Oaks offers a way to get a head start when it comes to college.
Dual enrollment is offered through the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). This program is designed for students who would like to complete academic credits for college such as English, math, and history. This option is great for students who would like to get their required college credits that do not pertain to their major out of the way.
Every school has different requirements to be considered eligible for dual enrollment, but at Keystone Oaks, students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, parental consent, and signed paperwork by a high school counselor. One common question students and parents have about dual enrollment is what classes can you take?
According to one of our guidance counselors, Ms. Tom, “Most students will take an English 101 class and a Psychology 101 class, but you can always talk to an advisor at the college regarding additional class options. I have had students take Intro to Political Science, Intro to Business, and Intro to Computer Programming, so make sure you check out all of your options.”
Getting a head start on college credits is not the only advantage when it comes to dual enrollment, saving money is also a huge factor. At CCAC, classes average out to about $400 a class plus additional fees and the price of books. Although many parents with students still in high school are surprised at this price, it actually will end up saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
A large issue is that students would love to participate in dual enrollment, but believe it is impossible to fit into their schedule. Many do not know that, for example, if someone needed an English credit for senior year and decided to take an English class at CCAC, both college credits and high school credits would be earned.
Dual enrollment is more difficult than high school classes; college professors teach the classes and hold dual enrollment students to the same expectations and level of responsibility given to college students. This options is not for everyone, but Ms. Tom suggested “talking to your counselor to see if it is a good fit for you before deciding anything.”
Posted: Friday, March 10, 2017