High school college credits - how do they work?

I've been hearing a lot about earning college credits while still in high school, but I'm not quite sure how it works. Can someone explain to me what these credits mean and how I can earn them before graduating high school?

Sure! Earning college credits in high school is a great way to get ahead academically and potentially save money on tuition costs once you start college. There are several ways to earn college credits in high school. Here's a rundown of the most common methods:

1. Advanced Placement (AP) courses: These are rigorous high school classes that are designed to cover college-level material. At the end of the course, students take a standardized AP exam. A score of 3 or higher (out of 5) is generally considered passing, though colleges may have specific score requirements for credit. Each college has its own policy on which AP exams and scores are eligible for credit. You can search for a specific college's AP credit policy online.

2. International Baccalaureate (IB) courses: Similar to AP courses, these are advanced, college-level courses available through the IB Diploma Programme. Students take exams at the end of the course, and college credits may be awarded based on the exam scores (usually a score of 5 or higher out of 7). Again, each college will have its own policy for IB credit.

3. Dual enrollment: Some high schools partner with local colleges or universities to offer dual enrollment programs. Students in dual enrollment take actual college courses at the partnering institution while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. These credits are usually transferable to other colleges, but you'll need to check on a school-by-school basis to be sure.

4. College Level Examination Program (CLEP): The CLEP tests are administered by the College Board and allow you to earn college credit for certain subjects based on your mastery of that subject. CLEP exams can be taken by students of any age, including high school students. Like other credit-earning options, each college determines which CLEP exams are accepted and the minimum score required for credit.

To earn college credits in high school, you'll first need to check if your school offers any of these opportunities and sign up for the appropriate courses or tests. Then, once you start college, you'll need to provide your AP, IB, dual enrollment, or CLEP test scores and transcripts, and the college will determine how many credits you can receive based on their specific policies.

Keep in mind that while earning college credits in high school can be beneficial, it's also important to challenge yourself academically and explore your interests. Don't just take these courses for the sake of earning credits; make sure you have a genuine interest in the subject and are prepared for the increased workload that often comes with such advanced courses.