Getting an Associate Degree During High School?

I heard some students are able to get an associate degree while in high school. Has anyone here done that, and how did you go about it? Are there particular programs or classes I should look into? Any advice or experiences would be great!

Yes, it's definitely possible to earn an associate degree while you're still in high school! Typically, this is done through a program called Dual Enrollment, although the specific name might vary depending on your location. I'll provide a general overview of how this works and some tips to help you get started.

Dual Enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses at a local community college or university, either on the college campus itself or through online classes. These courses can simultaneously count towards both high school and college requirements, which might enable you to earn an associate degree by the time you graduate high school.

First, you'll want to reach out to your high school guidance counselor, as they'll have the most accurate information about the programs available to you. They can help you navigate the process and work with you on course selection.

Second, research the community college or university associated with the program to determine the specific course requirements for the associate degree you're interested in. This way, you'll know which classes to take and how many credits you'll need to complete. Be sure to consider prerequisites and course sequencing to ensure you have enough time to finish the degree while in high school.

Lastly, consider how an associate degree fits into your overall goals. Earning an associate degree can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. It may reduce the time and cost of obtaining a bachelor's degree later on since you'll already have some college credits.

2. Having an associate degree may improve your college applications, as it demonstrates academic dedication and an ability to handle college-level coursework.

3. You might be interested in a career field that only requires an associate degree, so earning one now can get you started on your career path early.

However, be aware that balancing high school coursework, extracurricular activities, and college classes can be demanding. Make sure you have the time management skills and motivation to handle this workload.