Will My High School Credits Transfer to College?

Can high school credits transfer over to college and count towards my degree? I’ve taken some AP and dual-enrollment classes, and I’m wondering what to expect when I start college.

High school credits themselves do not transfer to college; however, the advanced-level coursework you've taken can certainly help you in different ways.

For your AP classes, if you've scored a 3 or higher on the AP exams, many colleges will provide college credit, place you into a more advanced course, or satisfy general education requirements. However, every college has its own policy for AP scores. Some might require a 4 or 5 to grant credit, and others might not grant credit for certain AP exams at all. Check the AP credit policy of the colleges you are interested in to make sure.

From the dual-enrollment standpoint, colleges are typically more likely to accept those credits, as these classes are actual college courses. However, acceptance varies from school to school. Some schools might transfer your credits as elective credits rather than credits for specific courses. For example, if you took a dual-enrollment program in English, it might not necessarily cover your English requirement in college.

To ensure the credits are transferable, it's recommended to contact the colleges or universities you're applying to beforehand. They can provide specific procedures and information on their credit policies. If possible, try to get confirmation in writing.

Remember, showing the rigor in your coursework through AP and dual-enrollment classes is valuable regardless of credit because it helps demonstrate your academic preparedness for college-level work in your application.