Thinking about taking dual enrollment college classes at Brookdale CC?

Applying to College
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<p>Hey everyone! It’s been such a long while since I’ve posted in CC’s forums! I used to be a frequest SAT/ACT thread poster, but since I’m done with my SATs, I’ve been kind of dead over there.</p>

<p>=) How are you all? Hope you’re doing well!</p>

<p>Well, I’m a homeschooled student and have only a couple of high school courses left until I graduate (which should be around March - May, hopefully!), but I’ve been thinking about getting a head start in my core college courses from now. I understand that, despite whatever major we end up studying, we all eventually have to complete a set of mandatory core classes in the first two years of college, before really getting “in depth” of our major studies. I also understand that these core classes are the same for everyone, despite your major (correct me if I’m wrong?), and I’d love to get started on them from now, so the burden of college work would be a bit less on me when I enter college next year. </p>

<p>But the question now is…how do I start? And how do I know if I’m following the right path?</p>

<p>I heard that Brookdale CC has something called a “Fast Start” program, in which a high school student can enroll in college classes while he/she’s still finishing up high school. The problem is, I’m considering (considering!) in attending a CC for two years and then transfering to Rutgers for my last two years…but Rutgers says in order to apply as a transfer, a student would need to complete 12 college credits, NOT counting ones that are taken DURING high school. Maybe I misunderstood them, but do they mean AP courses or just college classes taken at a CC during high school (like Brookdale’s “Fast Start” program?). So, what should I do in this case?</p>

<p>Also, which community college is the best in NJ? I heard Brookdale was the No. 1 Associates Degree college in NJ, but I wanted to hear what you guys think/heard.</p>

<p>Also, is there any way I could take college classes in Rutgers while I’m still completing high school? Or does my situation only apply to community colleges?</p>

<p>Basically, my questions are:</p>

<li>Are all college core classes the same, despite whatever major your studying?</li>
<li>Is Brookdale the best CC in NJ? (I heard it was better than Middlesex CC)</li>
<li>Can I take college core classes in Rutgers RIGHT NOW while I’m finishing up high school, or can I only do this in community college?</li>
</ol>

<p>Anymore information would be extremely helpful. =)</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

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<p>Bump! Please help!</p>

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<p>Perhaps some people in the Rutgers board can help as that may be the best place to find people who know enough about NJ colleges to answer your questions.</p>

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<p>You should probably call Rutgers and ask them. Since you plan to graduate soon, you need to make up your mind about whether you will transfer or not. I can't find the specific information for rutgers, but typically one needs 12 credit hours or so to apply for transfer admissions as a freshmen with advanced standing, 30-59 for sophomore, 60+ for Junior. (A typical college class is 3 credit hours, many math/science courses are 4). </p>

<p>
[quote]
Maybe I misunderstood them, but do they mean AP courses or just college classes taken at a CC during high school (like Brookdale's "Fast Start" program?). So, what should I do in this case?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>They mean AP courses and programs like "Fast Start." </p>

<p>The question comes down to what you want to do. Is money a big concern? Regardless of whether you are a high school student or not, rutgers should accept your credit, whether or not it changes your admissions category (again, contact them). You're graduating from high school soon, and you only have time for one semester of college courses anyway.</p>

<p>If you want to go to the community college and then transfer, you could take classes this semester, attend this upcoming summer session, and transfer after first semester of next year. (Probably with sophomore standing) </p>

<p>It all depends on whether you want to go from your community college to rutgers or apply directly. (Cheaper/shorter college experience)</p>

<ol>
<li>Are all college core classes the same, despite whatever major your studying?</li>
</ol>

<p>Each college/university typically sets their own requirements which, for the most part, are the same for every student. There are things like Foreign language, math, English, computer requirement, etc. </p>

<ol>
<li>Is Brookdale the best CC in NJ? (I heard it was better than Middlesex CC)</li>
</ol>

<p>Honestly, which CC is the "best" shouldn't be your main concern at this point. Which is closer?</p>

<ol>
<li>Can I take college core classes in Rutgers RIGHT NOW while I'm finishing up high school, or can I only do this in community college?</li>
</ol>

<p>The site doesn't like me, but here's a cached version of summer courses for high school students at rutgers (not sure all the rules and if it applies to rising college students):</p>

<p>Rutgers-</a> New Brunswick Summer Session 2009</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thanks for the help, aigiqinf. =) Your post was informative. I'll definitely look into your advice.</p>