Dual Enrollment is a program where one can complete college-level courses in high school. The program allows you to save time and money before going to college. Usually, one is allowed to begin dual enrollment courses once you have compiled an amount of 12 high school credits. Once you have twelve credits, you may be required to take a test: most commonly known as a PERT test–depending on your region. If you pass this test, you will be granted permission to enroll in college courses at your local community college. Some classes cost money (but are still cheaper than regular enrollment), while others are free.
As previously stated, dual enrollment saves you "both time and money" by allowing you to take college-level courses while in high school. You will be able to branch out, and if desired, you can work at an accelerated pace. Many kids who take dual enrollment courses recognize that they can better educate and prepare themselves for college.
Although dual enrollment courses can seem a bit overwhelming with a tight schedule—you'll have nothing to worry about. Not only do you have a school counselor to reach out to for advice, but you also have a counselor from the college you are attending for help. You can ask your college counselors any questions concerning the curriculum you're taking: grades, credits, semesters, etc.
It must not surprise many that dual enrollment can have its positives and negatives. But, this is entirely dependent on the individual. Depending on who you are, you may excel in dual enrollment courses. While on the other hand, you may struggle with new concepts and structure that it entails. Still, that's nothing to be ashamed of! Whether you decide to take dual enrollment courses online or in person, the workload and atmosphere can be a bit challenging. After all, most dual enrolled students are no more than 17 years old when they first begin the classes. Plus, they are introduced to a new learning method with little to no preparation. This can be difficult to manage, and many kids struggle. A college atmosphere is quite different from a high school atmosphere, and this is one of the many shock factors that come with taking dual enrollment courses.
Takeaways:
Regardless of whether or not you excel in dual enrollment, you should still be proud of yourself for deciding to branch out and try new things. For many, moving from their hometown to a new state for college is a significant change. By taking dual enrollment courses, you can grasp what college is like and what you should expect. But regardless of how you do, people grow through their mistakes, not triumphs.
**We note that dual-enrollment looks different at every school and the experiences are not and will not be universal.**
