Brilliant students eagerly want to maximize high school life before college by understanding college credits and their transferability. There are several options waiting to be explored.
If you have also been wondering about ways to earn college credits, here are some of the best options to consider.
- Traditional Coursework
The most obvious way to earn college credits is to enroll in courses at your institution. You can earn college credits through online and in-person classes.
It is best to consider online classes if they are convenient for you and if the course allows for flexibility. Depending on the program, some classes may require in-person attendance.
In-person classes become necessary when your attendance and participation are required in lectures, workshops, and exams.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
AP courses are designed to be equivalent to college-level courses. Several colleges have specific score requirements for different subjects. Depending on your college’s policies, a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam can potentially earn college credit.
If you are worried about how long do college credits last and whether all your hard work will go to waste, fret not. College credits usually do not expire.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The International Baccalaureate program is a form of high school curriculum. It includes coursework, research programs, and exams. While securing an IB Diploma can be challenging, students may be motivated to pursue it based on its global recognition.
Higher-level IB courses and exams, generally scoring 5 or above, can translate into college credits. This program can help you explore several options for colleges and universities.
- Dual Enrollment
As the name suggests, dual enrollment programs allow students to enroll in college courses. This approach helps students earn credits that count toward both high school graduation and a college degree. All the credits earned can be transferred to a future program.
This program allows students to head start their college journey. In addition, they also learn several skills, such as organization and time management, to streamline their college experience.
- Summer Programs
Summer programs are another great way of earning college credits. Many universities offer intensive summer courses that cover the material of a full semester in a shorter period. This can be a way to catch up or get ahead in your coursework and earn college credits.
However, you must remember that not all summer programs provide credits. This means that you must confirm that the credits earned will be transferred to your degree program beforehand.
Credits for Military Experience
The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates military training and provides recommendations for college credit. These credits can be used in conjunction with AP, CLEP, or DSST exams. While these credits can be very helpful, you must stay updated on transferability clauses.
A transferability check is essential with individual colleges to understand how they accept and apply military training credits toward your degree. It can be a great way of choosing the right institution for you.
