by Katherine O'Brien, MA CCPS, Founder of Celtic College Consultants
My analysis of these various programs is provided ni order to serve as a guideline for families considering such courses and programs as part of their high school coursework.
1. AP Exams
Every May, the College Board administers AP (Advanced Placement) exams in high schools across the US and the world. Most students taking these exams take College Board approved AP courses although they may prepare for the exams independently. Information about the AP exams is available at ap.collegeboard.org.
Pros:
At $95/test, AP exams are a very affordable way to earn college credits.
Cons:
According to the College Board data, only 18.8% of 2020 AP test scores were a 3 or better. No colleges give credit for a score less than a 3.
Every college has its own policy regarding whether and which AP scores it will give credit for. There is no guarantee that these credits will be able to be applied to the student's undergraduate degree at their particular university.
Many do not think that an AP course and exam is equivalent to a college course. Students pursuing the AP path, then, may well not be as well prepared for upper level work in these subjects as their peers who took the corresponding college courses.
2. CLEP Exams
Offered in 34 subjects, these college equivalency tests are used by some to earn college credits.
CLEP exams are offered by the College Board at testing sites all over the world. They are available year round. Students prepare for them independently. Test information is available at clep.collegeboard.org
Pros:
At $89/test, AP exams are a very affordable way to earn college credits.
Cons:
Every college has its own policy regarding whether and which CLEP scores it will give credit for. There is no guarantee that these credits will be able to be applied to the student's undergraduate degree at their particular university.
Many do not think that an CLEP exam is equivalent to a college course. Students pursuing the AP path, then, may well not be as well prepared for upper level work in these subjects as their peers who took the corresponding college courses.3. Notre Dame's Global Scholar Program
The details: 10/16 - 11/20
Tuition $1375 Application fee $60
Includes: 6 weekly live scheduled online 75 minute classes given by Notre Dame International Faculty teaching from the ND London and Ireland Global Gateways.
Courses offered: Economics of International Trade, Environmental Conservation & Sustainable Thinking, Global Issues & Challenges, Irish Literature: Myths, Legends, & Folklore, and Science Fiction Movies in the 21st Century.
Application requirements: "strong academic standing with solid extracurricular activities," sophomore or junior standing, at least 14 years old by 10/15, and "a sincere desire to be part of the Notre Dame international community while they are participating in the program." No test scores are required. Transcripts and counselor reports are.
Students will have 2-3 hours of homework each week, with a maximum of 3 hours. Students can miss 2 classes, and still successfully complete the course. Each course will grant one hour of Notre Dame college credit upon completion. (A typical college course is a 3 credit hour course.)
Skills needed: "During our program, you will find you will continue to develop essential skills needed in order to succeed in an undergraduate course setting. Just like in the traditional college setting on campus, you need to be organized, utilize time management, and remain open minded as you learn from Notre Dame faculty and your peers."
Pros:
Students will be exposed to college type lectures and discussions.
Students will have to manage their time more effectively than their peers since they will be adding about five hours of academics each week, but only for six weeks.
Cons:
It's expensive. At $1,375/credit hour, that's more expensive than most, if not all, college courses!
One credit hour is not very helpful toward a college degree.
The admissions criteria are very general, which is not impressive to colleges.
Based on the testimonials, one of the major results was exposure to other students' ideas and perspectives. This is not acquisition of knowledge.
Every college has its own policy regarding what courses they will accept. There is no guarantee that these credits will be able to be applied to the student's undergraduate degree at their particular university.
4. Holy Apostles College Take Credit! Program
The details: semester long courses fall/spring/summer, open to all HS students who have completed 10th grade
Tuition: $375/3 credit course + $40 fee + $25 application fee
Includes: Ability to take 2 courses per semester with one to two hour long lectures each week and typical college course requirements, including significant reading and writing. Courses taught by Holy Apostles College professors. Students can take courses beginning the summer after their sophomore year. Therefore, it is possible to take 12 college courses while completing high school.
35 Courses offered including: ENG 115 Writing & Composition, ENG 181 Research & Writing, HIS 101 Western Civilization I, PSY 200 Psychology, SAS 101 Sacred Scripture, and SCM 201 Physics, with lab.
Application requirements: application, essay, letter of recommendation, HS transcript, test scores (ACT, AP, CLEP, CLT, or SAT)(waived for 21/22 school year)
Students will have 6-9 hours of reading, studying, and writing each week. Each course will grant three hours of college credit. Students must maintain a B average in order to continue taking courses in the program.
Skills needed: Students need excellent note taking, time management, and study skills to be successful. The college does provide writing support for all of its students, including the dual enrolled high school students.
Pros:
Students will be exposed to college lectures and academic expectations.
Students will develop college level writing skills.
Students can earn up to 38 college credit hours while still in high school, solidly demonstrating their ability to do college level work well.
Tuition is 1/3 college tuition. Not only can students earn a year's worth of credits, they do so quite affordably.
Cons:
The workload is significant. Students will have to work hard to manage the course demands.
Every college has its own policy regarding what courses they will accept. There is no guarantee that these credits will be able to be applied to the student's undergraduate degree at their particular university.
5. Community College Course/Dual Enrollment
The details: semester long courses fall/spring/summer. HS students are typically limited to one or two courses per semester
Tuition: varies.
Includes: Regular on-campus or online community college courses
Application
requirements: vary by college.
Students will have 2-3 hours of reading, studying,
and writing each week per credit hour. Students in 3 credit classes should plan on 6-9 hours of work each week while students in 5 hour courses should plan on 10 -15.
Skills needed: Students need excellent note taking, time management, and study skills to be successful. The college does provide writing support for all of its students, including the dual enrolled high school students.
Pros:
Students will be exposed to college lectures and academic expectations.
Students will develop college level writing skills.
Students can earn up
to 38 college credit hours while still in high school, solidly
demonstrating their ability to do college level work well.
Tuition is 1/3 college tuition. Not only can students earn a year's worth of credits, they do so quite affordably.
Cons:
The workload is significant. Students will have to work hard to manage the course demands.
Students will take courses with the general community college student population, which may include students much older than HS age.
Students need to take care to take college level courses. Many community colleges offer remedial (high school level) courses. These will not transfer to 4 year colleges and universities. Every college has its own policy regarding what courses they will accept. There is no guarantee that these credits will be able to be applied to the student's undergraduate degree at their particular university.
Thank you for this informative article! One thing to note is that Dual Enrollment at a Community College costs vary from school to school. At my local community college, students are able to take one class each semester for free and then pay full price for additional courses. They are, however, able to earn a full Associates Degree (60 credits) while still considered dual enrollment if they are motivated to do so.
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