Best college programs available for high school students?

I'm a high school junior interested in taking college-level courses before I graduate. What are the best programs for dual enrollment or early college experiences? I'm hoping to get a feel for college life and earn credits.

There's a variety of high school programs that allow students to experience college-level coursework before officially starting their undergraduate journey. Here are some options to consider:

- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Offered by many high schools, these courses cover college-level curriculum and culminate in an exam. If you score well, colleges may grant you course credit.

- Dual Enrollment Programs: These permit high school students to take classes at a local community college or university while still in high school. The exact programs available depend on your state and local school district policies. Check with your school's counseling office for programs in your area.

- Early College High Schools: These are partnerships between the local school district and a college in the area. They allow students to earn a high school diploma and either an associate degree or up to two years of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree—often at no or low cost.

- Pre-College Programs: Universities like Harvard and Stanford offer summer programs that host high school students on campus, where they enroll in college courses and can earn credits.

Remember, earning college credit in high school can save you time and money once you make it to college, so these programs offer great value from that perspective. However, I'd also recommend looking for a program that provides additional connections to the college environment. Being familiar with college expectations and experiencing the dynamics of a college classroom firsthand can be extremely beneficial when transitioning from high school to college.