Did you know that you can earn college credit in high school? You may have heard of Advanced Placement classes, but some of the following ideas are obscure. Whether you homeschool, attend public school, or go to a private school, there are ways around a typical four-year college education.
Here are eight surprising ways to earn college credit while in high school.
1. Take Advanced Placement (AP) classes — think you’re ready for the rigors of college classes? AP classes will give you a taste of college life without setting foot on campus, just be prepared to pass the exam at the end of your course. AP classes are offered at your local high school in all kinds of subjects — math, science, history, English, and even foreign languages.
2. Enroll in an International Baccalaureate (IB) Program — Like AP classes, many of these programs are offered through local schools, but you can also take courses online. IB programs typically include exams, some form of community service, and a research paper.
3. Use Dual Credit at Home to earn college credits by exam — Our program includes 49 weeks of study plans for 13 exams. Passing all of these CLEP and DSST exams will earn you up to 57 college credits.
4. Take community college classes while you’re still in high school — Every state is different, but many offer dual enrollment programs through local community colleges and even some universities. You simply take college classes on campus and earn college credit and high school credit through your local public school. If you are a homeschooler, your parents can grant high school credit and include these classes on your high school transcript.
5. Get your college education online — If you’re already considering online classes as part of your high school education, you might want to take college level classes instead. Like the option above, these classes will count toward your degree and your high school diploma.
6. Study abroad — Immerse yourself in another culture, learn a new language, and get college credit! Many international programs are offering scenarios like this one.
7. Volunteer — Community service in exchange for college credit is starting to take off, and many universities and colleges have their own programs. Usually you can find volunteer projects in your area of study, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
8. Learn a foreign language — While you will probably still have to take an AP or CLEP exam to earn college credit, if you’re proficient in one or more languages, it’s an easy way to earn credit for something you already know or are studying in high school.
If you’re a homeschool student, you are used to taking a nontraditional path, but even if you go to a public high school, you can start earning college credits today, saving you time and money in the long run.
What are some ways your family has earned dual credit? Participate in the conversation on our Facebook page.
