If you’re doing well in your regular classes and think you can handle an advanced course, why not give it a try?
You can increase your odds of getting into a four-year college by taking Advanced Placement, Running Start, International Baccalaureate or Tech Prep classes. These aren’t required for high school graduation, and they do take hard work. But students in these programs can graduate from high school with a two-year degree already completed or save on college costs by paying little or no money to earn transferable college credits.
If you think you’re up to this challenge, meet with your school counselor. They can give you more information about programs at your school. And check with different colleges to find out which classes and tests they accept for credit and what scores or grades you will need to get accepted.
Your options include:
- Advanced Placement (AP®)
AP® courses offer college level coursework in high schools. Classes are offered in calculus, history, physics, chemistry, world languages and more. All classes count toward high school graduation. If you want college credit, you can take an end-of-the year exam that covers all of the course material. The test is not required and does cost money, but fee waivers are available. Colleges generally give credits for test scores of three or better. Selective colleges often require scores of four or five.
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB® program is similar to AP®, but is offered at fewer schools. IB® concentrates on multi-subject and international study more than AP® and Running Start. Students enrolled in IB® can earn special diplomas by taking IB® courses and passing several comprehensive examinations. Colleges generally give credit for test scores of five or better.
- Running Start
Running Start allows you to take academic classes at many public colleges and universities and get double credit for high school and college. You can earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree at the same time. You do not have to pay tuition at the local college, but you do have to buy textbooks for each class and pay some required fees. A placement test is also required. Check with your guidance counselor or local college or university for details. School advisors can help you make sure the Running Start classes you take meet your high school graduation requirements.
- College in the high school
Instead of going to a college or university to take classes, let college come to you! College in the high school allows high school teachers to work for a college or university and a high school at the same time. Regular high school teachers offer college-level classes in English, math, history and more. Students who receive a grade of B or better can earn college credit. Check with your high school counselor for more information. Not all high schools participate in this program.
- Tech Prep
Tech Prep is a two- or four-year program that begins in high school. Local community and technical colleges agree to accept credits from your regular high school classes if you earn a B or better. After high school, you’ll be able to go straight into some community and technical college programs. This can save you and your family time and money. Check with your school counselor for details.