<p>I'm debating about participating in the Accel Program my senior year, which would allow me to attend a nearby college early. In this program, I would be acquiring both high school and college credit simultaneously. However, I don't plan on taking any classes at my school next year. In other words, I will be attending the nearby college full time on campus.</p>
<p>I find nothing wrong with this idea, but seeing that I'm ranked 1st in my class, I would dutifully be valedictorian if I stayed my senior year (that is, if I maintain my grades; there is a possibility of me being salutatorian, but essentially, they are the same thing). If I participate in the program, I believe that I may not be eligible for the Valedictorian or Salutatorian title... and even if I still am, I doubt that I could be ranked first or second....</p>
<p>So what are your thoughts? Would this look nice on my college app.? Would you do this? Maybe list some advantages or disadvantages....</p>
<p>BTW, I do not plan on attending the college for four years but simply for my senior year of HS.</p>
<p>Advantages: 1) You can get used to college-level work, unless it’s a CC you would be attending. 2) Would look good on an app if you’ve exhausted the HS curriculum.
Disadvantages: 1) If the courses you take there count for both HS and college credit, you probably won’t be able to transfer them. 2) Your rank would tank, according to you. 3) You won’t see any of your friends during the day.</p>
<p>I’m probably missing some points on both lists. Personally, I wouldn’t do it, based on the info. you provided.</p>
<p>If you earn too many college credits, you may have to apply to other colleges as a transfer student instead of a new student with lots of transferable credits. Ask your high school whether these classes will show up on your transcript as high school credits. If they don’t show up as high school credits, you should be careful about how many classes you take.</p>
<p>You need to investigate this with your high school. If you know which colleges you will be considering after the ‘senior year’ you should contact them and ask what their policies are.</p>
<p>If the college you are considering is not one with a reputation somewhere in the same league as the colleges you are considering ‘for real’, I question the value of this move.</p>
<p>^ They will show up as high school and college credits… The college I plan on attending is Georgia Tech, which is definitely not in the same league… They are transferable credits according to the program, but I need to check with Georgia Tech</p>
<p>Are you in line for any leadership positions at your high school or would you be participating in any competitions that are high school based senior year?</p>
<p>Dual enrollment is very common these days. While getting an early start on college and some credits under your belt, it may not be worth it if you would really shine at your HS your senior year.</p>
<p>It really depends on your situation. If for example you go to an average Georgia HS, will be val and a school leader your senior year, still have APs to take and will get excellent recs from senior year teachers–I’d be more tempted to just take a class or 2 at GTech if you’re aiming for top colleges.</p>
<p>If you’re staying in state for college and your numbers will get you into the school you want and a year of college credits will save your family money, then spending next year in college might work better.</p>
<p>^ I would be participating in the usual clubs (this is, if I stayed at my high school during my senior year)… the only competition I would compete in is a science fair… and at the most, I will be the a leader of one club… nothing outstanding BUT, I would lose the valedictorian status and possibly no longer be eligible to compete for “star student” (star student is the person with the highest sat score)</p>
<p>(In the fourth post, I mean that G Tech is the “real” college that I want to attend… not the one I will be attending my senior year)</p>
<p>So would this move “flavor” a college app.?</p>
<p>I have been in a dual-credit program, full-time, for two years. On one hand, it’s a great experience. The work is challenging, you gain an enormous amount of independence, and you have more opportunities to explore your different interests. For me, it’s been nothing but a good experience. I wouldn’t go back to the glorified babysitting of high school for anything. However, your grades WILL take a beating once you start taking calculus-based physics, etc. The courses at colleges tend to cover the same or more material as high school classes, over about a third of the time. If your rank is important to you, I don’t recommend it. I am at about 15%, now. </p>
<p>If you’re wondering about college admissions, I was able to apply as a freshman student, with a full associates’ degree, to my top choice school and was accepted, despite the fact that 94% of acceptances are within the top 10% of their class at that university. So, don’t assume that colleges will not appreciate your more rigorous course load. It all comes down to what you think is best for you. If you’re bored in your classes, can manage your own time well, and are not afraid of getting a B, then go for it. If you aren’t, then high school still has a lot to offer you.</p>
<p>Consider your social nature. Some students really like the independence of college classes. I spoke with one student, however, who regretted her choice of attending college classes her HS senior year. She missed being with her friends and felt she missed out on a lot of the fun stuff – including pranks, lunches out, senior status on campus, assemblies and so on. Not everyone would miss those things but she did. She never got the “big man on campus” opportunity.</p>
<p>Taking college courses in high school is great! I know a lot of kids who are or have done it. They are much more prepared for college - and colleges tend to realize this.
As for the credit/placement question - it will vary from school to school AND depend on the course. Keep all the information on the college courses so that GTech can evaluate what to do. Certainly, dual enrollment indicates that you are willing to take on challenges and that’s generally a good thing.</p>