How does credit transfer work from high school to college?

I'm a high school junior looking into earning college credits through dual enrollment or AP exams. How can I ensure these credits transfer to my future college? What should I be aware of regarding credit transfer policies?

In the realm of college credit transfers from high school, it's important to understand that policies can vary significantly from one college to another. For some institutions, they may accept dual enrollment credits, AP exam scores, or both, while others may have stricter guidelines.

For dual enrollment, you're generally enrolled in a course at a college, meaning you get credits on a college transcript if you pass that course. These credits may transfer as equivalent to a specific course at your future college or, in some cases, as elective credit. Just keep in mind that not all colleges have the same acceptance policy for dual enrollment credits.

Advanced Placement (AP) exams can also result in college credit but also depend on the policies of the institution and the scores you obtain. Some colleges might grant credit for a score of 3 while others may require a 4 or 5. Additionally, some colleges might give course credit while others only offer placement (meaning you could skip introductory courses).

To know for sure if your credits will transfer, it's best to research the specific policies of the colleges you're interested in attending. You can typically find this information on their websites in the Admissions or Current Students section. Additionally, consider reaching out directly to the admissions offices of these colleges for guidance.

Lastly, it's essential to weigh the benefits of the course itself, assuming it aligns with your interests and potential majors, beyond just banking on it for college credit. In many cases, these courses can enhance your understanding of a subject area, show colleges that you're taking rigorous courses, and give you a taste of what a college course might be like— all of which can be valuable on their own, even if the credits don't transfer.