Get a Head Start on College
Many North Dakota high school juniors and seniors get a head start on college
by enrolling in dual-credit courses, advanced placement (AP) courses and
high school courses for which college credits are available or by receiving
credit for prior learning. Read on for a brief description of each.
• Dual-Credit Courses: Students take just one class – the
college class – and get both high school and college credit. If
your high school and an area college have an agreement to offer dual-credit
courses, ask a high school administrator or counselor to help you determine
if you’re academically ready for college.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Some North Dakota high schools
offer AP courses that meet specific North Dakota University System college
course requirements. AP courses are designed by a national organization
called The College Board and taught by AP-qualified high school teachers.
A student who takes an AP course and earns an acceptable score on the
AP exam will qualify for college credit in that course. A high school
administrator or counselor can tell you if your school offers AP courses.
• College Credit for High School Courses: Thanks to articulation
(or course transfer) agreements, students who have acquired certain skills
through high school courses may be granted entry-level college credit
in some programs at NDUS two-year colleges. Through separate articulation
agreements, students may also get credit for specific courses taken at
two-year colleges when they transfer to four-year universities.
• Credit for Prior Learning: The College Level Examination Program
(CLEP) provides college credit for prior learning. Several NDUS colleges
and universities are CLEP test sites, and acceptable test scores have
been established for college credit in specific courses.
The cost savings for getting a head start on college can be substantial.
Students can enter college with a number of required courses already completed.
Contact your counselor or high school administrator for details.
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