For aspiring college students, dual enrollment can be a way to get ahead. Read on to learn more about dual enrollment and what it can mean for your freshman year of college.

What is dual enrollment?

Dual enrollment is when a student simultaneously earns credits towards their high school diploma and college transcript. Dual enrollment credits are often offered by high schools (in tandem with a collaborating college) during the school day.

What are the benefits of dual enrollment?

The most obvious benefit of dual enrollment is accruing credits towards your college degree. This means that you will be well on your way towards finishing in four years. Some other benefits that are just as important are:

1. You’ll get a sense of how college courses are structured

2. It will keep you on track to achieve academically (and you’ll avoid the dreaded “senioritis”).

3. You’ll have fewer courses to take, so you’ll save money on your college tuition.

How do I know if my high school offers dual enrollment?

Ask your guidance counselor. He or she should have the information you need.

What other opportunities to earn college credit while in high school are available?

The University of South Alabama offers the Accelerated College Enrollment Program (ACEP) to which allows rising seniors in high school in Mobile and Baldwin counties to take one free course on USA’s main campus in the fall semester. To be qualified for this, you have to have at least a 3.0 G.P.A., a 25 or above on the ACT (composite), and a counselor recommendation.