Taking online college courses while still in high school, known as dual enrollment, offers numerous benefits. Similarly to Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual enrollment aims to prepare students for college and earn college credit. But to differentiate between the two, online courses have distinct advantages that can make this process easier and more beneficial. Nonetheless, regardless of whether you are taking AP classes, this proactive approach to education presents various benefits for high schoolers.
One of the main advantages of online college courses is the greater certainty of earning college credit. College credit is awarded based on the score achieved, meaning they generally grant credit upon successful completion of the coursework, according to cmich.edu. This removes the high-stakes pressure of an AP exam, and ensures the student’s efforts throughout the course are recognized.
In addition, dual enrollment is significantly more flexible than a traditional class because it is often asynchronous. This means high school students can schedule their coursework around any commitments and extracurricular activities. Most commonly students will have a week to complete assignments, and they will have plenty of time to plan since the syllabus often lists the coursework throughout the duration of the class. Also, as long as you have an internet connection, you can complete the work at any time or place. Ashley Chavez (10) shares that, “the Nutrition class I took this past fall was easy to keep up with since I was able to work on it on my phone whenever I had free time, no matter where I was”. This flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace and to develop important time management and self-discipline skills.
One of the most compelling benefits of high school students enrolling in online college courses is the ability to accelerate their college education. By completing general education requirements early, students can potentially reduce their time in college. These courses, known as “gen-eds”, are a core component of most college degree programs. They typically cover a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and science. By taking these courses online, high school students can fulfill these requirements ahead of time. This not only lightens their course load while in college, but also allows them to focus on their major-specific classes earlier.
Furthermore, this can translate into significant cost savings, which reduces tuition expenses and costs for housing and textbooks according to collegerank.net. Notably, completing online college courses demonstrates initiative, commitment, and ability to handle advanced coursework. This can enhance a student’s college applications since it indicates their readiness for college and potential for success. These courses expose students to the academic rigor faced in higher education, helping them build confidence in their academic ability and transition into college easier. The broader range of subjects available in dual enrollment also enables students to explore their areas of interests, which can help them make decisions in their future pathways.
Overall, dual enrollment as a high schooler is a strategic move that can severely benefit them. It not only helps fulfill the general education requirements, but is also cost-effective, flexible, and enhances their applications. High school students who take advantage of these opportunities prepare themselves for the challenges of college and universities. If you are interested in enrolling for dual enrollment, contact your counselor to explore the best option for you.
