Ways to Earn College Credits While in High School

Are you looking for ways to get a head start on your college degree? If so, you should consider earning college credits while still in high school. There are many ways to do this, and each option has its own benefits.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different ways you can earn college credits while still in high school. We’ll also talk about the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision about which route is best for you.

Ways to Earn College Credits While in High School

High school students have a few different options when it comes to earning college credits. Here are nine of the most popular options:

1. Advanced Placement (AP) Classes

If your high school offers AP courses, you should definitely take advantage of them! AP classes are college-level courses that you can take in high school. If you score a 3 or higher on the AP exam for a particular course, you can earn college credit for that course. This is a great way to get a head start on your college education and lighten your workload (and expenses!) once you get to college.

Advantages of AP Classes:

• Can help you get into a better college
• Save time and money once you’re in college
• Give you a taste of college-level work

Disadvantages of AP Classes:

• May be too challenging for some students
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes

2. Dual Enrollment

Many high schools offer dual enrollment programs, which allow students to take courses at a local college while still enrolled in high school. This is a great way to earn college credits while still getting the support of your high school teachers. Most dual enrollment programs allow students to take courses for both high school and college credit, so it’s a win-win situation!

Advantages of Dual Enrollment:

• Get a head start on your college degree
• Save money on college tuition
• Get college credits and high school credits at the same time

Disadvantages of Dual Enrollment:

• May be too challenging for some students
• Can be difficult to balance regular high school classes and extracurriculars

3. Early College Programs

Early college programs are similar to dual enrollment in that they allow students to take courses at a local college while still enrolled in high school. However, early college programs are designed specifically for low-income and first-generation college students. This makes them a great option for students who want to get a jump on their college education but may not have the financial resources to do so.

Advantages of Early College Programs:

• Get a head start on your college degree
• Save money on college tuition
• Designed specifically for low-income and first-generation college students

Disadvantages of Early College Programs:

• May be too challenging for some students
• Can be difficult to balance regular high school classes and extracurriculars

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Classes

If your high school offers IB courses, you should definitely take advantage of them! IB classes are similar to AP classes in that they are college-level courses that you can take in high school. However, the IB program is more global in scope than the AP program. This means that IB classes can be a great way to prepare for a college education that is more global in nature.

Advantages of IB Classes:

• Can help you get into a better college
• Give you a taste of college-level work
• More global in scope than AP classes

Disadvantages of IB Classes:

• May be too challenging for some students
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes

5. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams

If you’re looking for a way to earn college credits without taking any classes, then CLEP exams might be the way to go. CLEP exams are designed to test your knowledge of college-level material. If you pass the exam, you can earn college credit for that particular subject. This is a great way to save time and money on your college education.

Advantages of CLEP Exams:

• Save time and money on your college education
• Earn college credit without taking any classes

Disadvantages of CLEP Exams:

• May be difficult to pass if you’re not well-prepared
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes

6. Credit by Examination (CBE) programs

CBE programs are similar to CLEP exams in that they allow you to earn college credit by passing an exam. However, CBE programs are usually offered by specific colleges and universities. This means that you can only use CBE credits towards your degree at that particular school. But if you’re planning on attending a specific college, CBE can be a great way to jump-start your degree.

Advantages of CBE Programs:

• Can help you get a jump start on your degree
• Save time and money on your college education

Disadvantages of CBE Programs:

• May be difficult to pass if you’re not well-prepared
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes
• Can only be used towards your degree at one specific school

7. Take Online Courses

Online courses might be the way to go if you’re looking for a more flexible way to earn college credit. Online courses offer the convenience of being able to study on your own time and at your own pace. And since most online courses are self-paced, you can work through the material as quickly or slowly as you need to.

Advantages of Online Courses:

• More flexible than traditional classes
• Self-paced, so you can work through the material at your own pace
• It is usually cheaper than traditional classes

Disadvantages of Online Courses:

• Can be less challenging than traditional classes
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes

8. Summer College Programs

Summer college programs are a great way to get ahead in your degree. These programs allow you to take college courses during the summer so as to earn credit faster. Summer college programs are usually more affordable than traditional classes, and they offer the convenience of being able to study on your own time.

Advantages of Summer College Programs:

• More affordable than traditional classes
• Convenient way to study on your own time
• Can help you get ahead in your degree

Disadvantages of Summer College Programs:

• May be less challenging than traditional classes
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes

9. Excelsior College Examinations (ECEs)

ECEs are another way to earn college credit without taking any classes. Similar to CLEP exams, ECEs test your knowledge of college-level material. If you pass the exam, you can earn college credit for that particular subject. A specific college offers Excelsior College Examinations, so you can only use your credits towards your degree at that school.

Advantages of ECEs:

• Save time and money on your college education
• Earn college credit without taking any classes

Disadvantages of ECEs:

• May be difficult to pass if you’re not well-prepared
• Requires an extra commitment outside of regular classes

Determining Your Plan to Earn College Credit

Now that you know all the different ways you can earn college credit, it’s time to start planning your strategy. To get started, follow the following steps:

• Talk to your high school guidance counselor:Your guidance counselor can help you determine what courses you need to take to earn college credit. They can also help you find scholarships and other financial aid to help you pay for college.
• Determine which colleges you want to apply to:Some colleges offer college credit for certain AP or IB courses. If you’re planning on applying to these colleges, make sure you take the right courses to earn college credit.
• Talk to the college admissions counselor:The college admissions counselor can tell you what college courses offer for college credit. They can also tell you the requirements for earning college credit at their school.
• Research your options:Before deciding how to earn college credit, it’s important to do your research. Talk to your family and friends, and look online for reviews of different programs. This will help you make the best decision for your needs.
• Create a plan:Once you’ve decided how you’re going to earn college credit, it’s time to create a plan. Make a list of the courses you need to take, and set a timeline for yourself. This will help you stay on track and make sure you earn the credit you need.
• Get started:Now that you have a plan, it’s time to get started. Enroll in courses, sign up for programs, and work towards your goal. Remember to stay focused and dedicated, and you’ll be able to earn college credit in no time.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a way to get a head start on your college education or want to lighten the load when you finally enroll in college, look into earning credits while still in high school.

There are many options available to students today, and at High School of America, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your future.

Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you get one step closer to achieving your goals.