While we often discuss GPA, extracurriculars, and standardized test scores as integral parts of the college application process, we overlook an important aspect of college readiness: course rigor. On average, students who take courses with similar workloads, content, and structures as college classes may be more prepared for college than those who choose easier classes that differ significantly from college courses.
Firstly, taking challenging courses may allow students to save money in college by transferring AP or IB credits to college credits and saving on the number students have to take. Most colleges in the United States accept AP credits to fulfill college credit requirements, especially non-major-related credits such as an art credit for a finance major, for example.
As a result, students can fulfill some of their college requirements in high school and possibly graduate early. Even if their universities do not accept AP credits, students who have taken AP courses can earn money by tutoring their peers and becoming a teacher’s assistant.
When in college, having a deeper understanding of a specific subject matter can be especially beneficial to other students, and the student would be able to have a deeper impact on their college campus in addition to possibly earning or saving money.
Dual credit courses can also be beneficial to students, maybe even more so than AP courses because dual credit classes involve students going to a college campus and learning from a college professor. As a result, dual credit classes simulate actual college classes, preparing students for the university environment.
For students who want to learn how receiving a college education feels like, utilizing dual credit courses offered by local community colleges and their high school can be an excellent way to explore the college environment and learn more about how they can make an easier transition between high school and college.
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