- Students Become Prepared For College Coursework
- Students Earn College Credits
- Students Can Refine Their Academic Interests
- Students Who Are High Achievers Get Challenged
- Students Can Have Flexible Learning Options
There are several key reasons you should enroll in a dual enrollment program while still in high school. These programs are an excellent way to prepare students for the rigors of college. Here are five reasons why considering a dual enrollment program is a smart idea.
Students Become Prepared For College Coursework
While there are some similarities, college coursework can be vastly different from the work a student is used to doing in his or her high school classes. One of the biggest advantages to enrolling in a dual enrollment program is that it helps prepare students to take on college coursework. In a dual enrollment program, students will take college-level classes either at their high school, at a local college or online. If the course is taken at a college, students will have the opportunity to get used to a campus learning environment as well.
Students Earn College Credits
One of the major reasons you should enroll in a dual enrollment program is for the opportunity to earn college credits. Obtaining college credits while still in high school can help ensure students will graduate college on time or even early. Of course, if a high school has AP programs, taking college courses at a university instead is often not necessary. But if AP programs are not available, a dual enrollment program might be the only way to start acquiring college-level credits early. If a student is planning on attending a different college upon high school graduation, they should take the time to make sure those credits will transfer to the institution of their choice.
Students Can Refine Their Academic Interests
Most students change their mind at some point regarding the subject they want to focus their studies on. A dual enrollment program can help students refine their academic interests before they enter college. It can also serve to solidify a student’s resolve about following a certain educational path. This will help them discover where their interests and abilities truly lie and allow them to get started on their core classes much faster than if they were still undecided on a major. According to the Huffington Post, students can seriously benefit from creating an educational roadmap as early as high school so they do not waste time in college changing their minds.
Students Who Are High Achievers Get Challenged
Another great thing about a dual enrollment program is that it can give high-achieving students a challenge. High-achieving students can get bored or stall in their education when taking regular classes if they have moved beyond the material being taught in them. A dual enrollment program offers high-achieving students who are still in high school an opportunity to start taking classes at the next level. Parents should always be sure their child is ready and consult their child on his or her feelings about starting a dual enrollment program before arrangements are finalized.
Students Can Have Flexible Learning Options
One major downside to enrolling in a dual enrollment program is that it can affect the amount of time a student has to focus on their regular schoolwork and extracurricular activities. This disadvantage can easily be nullified by considering online or other flexible course options. More and more colleges and universities are offering access to courses online, which high school students can take advantage of. This can be especially helpful for students whose college of choice is not local but who want to begin taking courses online early and build up credits at their desired university.
A dual enrollment program can be the right option for many students. This is especially true for students who have the time and ability to get started in college a little early. Do consider these reasons you should enroll in a dual enrollment program.
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