<p>It's about time for D to enroll for hs Senior year classes. Our state university has an advanced college program. Students take the class at their high school and receive dual credit--college credit from the state u and high school. Her school is on trimesters so I hope this makes sense. The credits have been accepted at over 500 colleges.</p>
<p>She can take the required freshman college english course for one trimester and 2 trimesters of AP Lit and Comp. That's the easy choice for us.</p>
<p>In math she can take the college finite math course and 2 trimesters of AP calc (calc may not be needed for graduation from state u) or 3 trimesters of AP calc. That's the hard decision. </p>
<p>My question is how will each of these options look on her college apps next fall? </p>
<p>FYI- there is a cost associated with the college courses, but it's far less than taking the class at the college. Both the English and Math classes are required for most students at state u and often hard due to TA's, large lecture halls, etc. </p>
<p>She will definitely apply to State U next fall. If she receives merit aid, it will be near the top of the list from a financial viewpoint.</p>
<p>My S chose what you call dual credit and is glad he did. The obvious reason is a head start on college credits, but it is much more than that. He shaved 1 yr off necessary college time he had so many credit hours. He is attending tho, the 4th yr for a variety of reasons. His scholarship is still in effect, greatly reducing(our) cost for the 4th yr, he can take electives of interest(foreign language) and pick up additional courses in his major, and still have time for a paid internship. Had he been the typical student in a 4 yr program, he would have been limited to concentrate on the necessary pre-reqs, then the core of his major to get the degree. This extra yr has allowed him a great opportunity to take more classes in his field, and interesting electives too. He even hopes for the Bundestag Exchange program now after this yr, and although that may or may not happen, it certainly would not have even been considered if he had not had the extra time to explore some German language. One thing to note: College adm officers sometimes overlook a college grade mixed in with high school grades for a total gpa. Be sure to point out to them for example- his A in English was at the college, not the high school. Once an officer is clear on that, it is my opinion that officer is more impressed with a high schooler already doing well at college level. We found some that explained they were more impressed with a college level B (while he was a soph or junior in h.s.,) than they would have been with an A at h.s. level.</p>