By taking dual enrollment courses, students can earn college credits prior to graduating high school, as well as get used to what their future college education entails.
According to guidance coordinator Tom Overberger, dual enrollment is a great opportunity to “get an idea and feel” of what a college course is like and what it will demand.
Students can get an inside view of what will be asked of them in college by getting exposed to the general course style.
“It also shows you what skills you have,” Overberger said, “and what skills you need to improve on if you’re going to be a successful college student.”
Recognizing what skills a student possesses can be valuable because it allows them to plan upcoming assignments accordingly.
Junior Tori Puente feels that the pressure of a dual enrollment course is very similar to college. She suggests that students who learn to manage their time.
Puente is currently taking a dual enrollment course and recognizes its demands and rewards. Although Puente is experiencing the pressure of maintaining her high grade, she claims these struggles are worth the cost.
“It’s going to save you so much money,” Puente said. “Those four credits that I’m gaining now with $400 would probably be an upwards of $2,000 at my next university.”
For Puente, the cost of attending these courses now is significantly cheaper compared to those she wants to attend while in college. Rather than earning her four credits and spending up to $2,000 in college, Puente takes advantage of her opportunity now.
“It can be a great way to leave high school with some meaningful credits attached to your name,” science teacher Patrick Murphy said, “which can, of course, save money long term or open up new opportunities in college.”
One of the classes Murphy teaches is environmental science, which is an available dual enrollment course.
Murphy hopes to see students “taking advantage of these new courses.”
Advanced placement classes also allow students to earn college credits if they pass their exam.