How to Earn College Credits in High School
Strategies to Cut the Cost of a Post-Secondary Education
Mar 8, 2009
Today's high school students have the advantage of earning college credit while still in high school. These opportunities usually come at a low cost to families, and sometimes they are free. The following are some college saving opportunities.
Advanced Placement Courses
Advanced Placement courses, or AP courses, are designed by College Board. The classes are constructed to teach students at a more rigorous level than general high school courses. AP teachers must go through specific training and deliver the elements of the class in a specific manner. Concepts of the courses must include the fundamentals of a college level education: readings, discussions, analysis, projects, and papers.
Each year in May, students in AP courses may elect to take AP exams. The exams are standardized by College Board and cost around $90 a test. Students take the exam and receive a score from a 1 to a 5. Generally speaking, colleges will consider scores of 3 or higher for college credit. Each institution has their own policy regarding accepting AP exam scores for college credit.
College Level Examination Program
Another program sponsored by the College Board is the College Level Examination Program or CLEP. High school students can demonstrate their knowledge in one of 34 subject areas by taking a CLEP test. These tests are available to any student and no special requirement is needed. If a high school does not offer AP courses but still teaches rigorous subject matter, CLEP testing offers students an avenue to demonstrate their knowledge at a college level.
CLEP tests are offered at several testing facilities around the United States. Costs for the exams are around $80 and an additional fee for the testing center, usually around $20. Some states, like Minnesota, are offering to pay for students to take up to six CLEP tests for free through June 2009. The score on the exam is converted to a scale score where 50 is recommended for college credit. Once again, each institution has the final decision in determining how to handle these exam scores for actual college credit.
Post Secondary Enrollment Option/Concurrent Enrollment
Post Secondary Enrollment Option, or PSEO, is a program funded through certain state's Department of Education offices. While each operating state is different, the basis is the same: high school students can attend college and take college level courses. Some students have out performed their school's curriculum and need more of an academic challenge. PSEO is a great program for those students. Also, PSEO offers students to take college courses for free, which usually can then transfer to a college of their choice.
Articulation Agreements
High school career development classes offer students an opportunity to explore career fields while in school. Classes like business, family consumer science, technology/computers, and health care allow students to receive in depth knowledge/training in these areas. School districts often work with area technical colleges and general colleges to form articulation agreements. These agreements state that if a students completes the specific high school course, the college will accept the class for college credit. Fees are usually only necessary if an exam or certification needs to be implemented.
College in the Schools (Minnesota only)
The University of Minnesota offers a program called College in the Schools, or CIS. High school instructors are trained to teach courses according to the University of Minnesota curriculum. Similar to PSEO, the difference is that CIS classes are taught at the high school. Student who complete CIS courses receive college credit through the University of Minnesota.
The previous examples are a few ways that high school students can receive college credit while still in high school. Many of the opportunities require a minimal fee which is far less expensive than a typical semester course available at colleges. By utilizing this opportunities, students can reduce the overall cost of attending college and also may set themselves up to graduate college early. Talk to a school counselor for more information on college saving.
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