Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses and earn credit toward both a high school diploma and a college degree. Programs are typically offered to juniors and seniors through a partnership with a local college, and many states offer them tuition-free.
Dual enrollment is different from signing up for a college class on your own. In a true dual-enrollment program, the high school approves the course, and the grade appears on the high school transcript. Classes taken independently usually won’t appear on the high school transcript, so students will need to report them separately and send the college transcript themselves.
Formats vary, too. Some courses are taught on the high school campus at a familiar pace. Others meet at the college, online, or hybrid, sometimes on a compressed schedule. Self-paced online courses require strong time management.
Dual-enrollment courses are affordable and let students explore a subject before declaring a major. Students experience the pace and independence of a college class; doing well shows colleges they are ready for college-level work.
Before signing up, think about why you want to take the class and whether it fits your life right now. College courses are often more demanding than typical high school classes, so weigh your workload, activities, family commitments, and any part-time job.
Grades count. A dual-enrollment grade goes on the high school record and potentially on a permanent college transcript. Some colleges ask applicants to list all college coursework or submit college transcripts, so a low grade or a withdrawal can follow a student.
Credit policies vary widely. In-state, public universities are the most likely to accept dual-enrollment credit, while many selective colleges offer placement into a higher-level course rather than credit, just as they do for strong AP scores. Selective colleges also want to see that students took the most challenging classes available at their own high school. More selective colleges would prefer to see the AP-level course instead of the community college version, due to the standardization and rigor.
GPA can cut both ways. Some high schools don’t weight dual-enrollment courses the way they weight honors and AP classes. Many colleges, however, recalculate GPAs and give extra weight to college coursework.
Nearly all majors require introductory-level courses. Coming in with dual-enrollment credits may help you place out of some of these; however, think twice before taking advantage of that option. Retaking a class you know well can build a strong foundation and earn you a solid “A” to boost your transcript. Similarly, some colleges will not accept dual-enrollment credits (or AP credits) in certain subjects, depending on your major, so don’t count on getting college credit/advanced standing with the dual-enrollment classes you take.
Finally, dual enrollment isn’t for everyone. College courses can be challenging for some students due to pacing, having less structure, and sometimes occurring outside of their normal school schedule. Students who do their best work at a slower pace may be better served by high school classes that fit them well. Colleges consider each applicant in context, and strong grades in well-chosen classes tell a better story than struggling through ones that aren’t a good fit. There are wonderful colleges for every kind of learner.
Dual enrollment can be a smart choice for the right student. Before enrolling, talk with your school counselor or independent counselor about your goals, the course format, and the time commitment.
