Hey guys, I'm a junior considering taking some online college classes while still in high school. What are some of the best places to find quality courses that colleges will recognize? Any experiences would be helpful!
Several reputable educational platforms offer online college-level courses that high schools students can take and get credit for. Here's a few you might want to consider:
1. Dual Enrollment Programs: Many community colleges and some four-year institutions offer dual enrollment programs which allow high school students to take college courses. Many of these courses are now offered online due to the increased demand for remote learning options. Enrolling in these programs allows high school students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.
2. Advanced Placement (AP): The College Board's AP courses mimic a college-level curriculum and colleges often give credit for satisfactory scores on AP exams. While these classes are traditionally offered in high school, you can independently study for the exams using online resources.
3. Coursera and edX: These platforms offer college courses from universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and others. While typically not for credit, taking these courses can demonstrate your academic curiosity and can sometimes be transferred for credit if the college approves.
4. University Specific Programs: Some universities offer online courses for high school students that can potentially earn you college credit. For instance, Johns Hopkins University offers a program called JHU CTY (Center for Talented Youth), where high school students can take college-level courses online.
Mainly, be sure to check if the credits you earn can be transferred to the college you plan to attend. Each university has its own transfer credit policies, some may not accept them at all. Moreover, keep in mind quality over quantity. Be sure not to overload yourself with too many college-level courses at once.
Lastly, while extracurriculars certainly add to your college applications, remember to balance them out with your current high school workload. Good luck as you explore these opportunities!
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