June 28, 2011

Enrollment in Iowa’s community colleges is higher than ever. Whether it’s out-of-work adults learning new skills or high school graduates making a pit stop on their way to a four-year institution, community colleges are a popular destination. Part of the growth in enrollment is from high school students. Yes, high school students! Did you know you can get a head start on your college degree while you’re still in high school?

More classes and homework probably sounds crazy to most high schoolers, but for those who know what they want to do, getting a jump on their future is a no-brainer. Not only will it save you time and money, it will better prepare you for the transition to a college class load. Some college courses count for high school too, so you can earn credit towards a diploma and a degree at the same time.

In a recent article from Juice, Hawkeye Community College provided some tips for taking college courses in high school:

• Consider the time commitment. Do you have enough time between high school, a part-time job and extracurricular activities to manage the work of a college course?
• Get credit where credit is due. Find out whether you’ll get high school credits for the college course. If you plan to get a bachelor’s degree, make sure the classes you take will transfer to the four-year schools you’re interested in.
• Check your calendar. Schools run on different academic years, so while high school might end, the college year may keep going.
• Know the costs. Figure out what the cost of the class will be, whether it’s tuition, books or supplies.

If you are interested in beginning your college education in high school, talk with your guidance counselor first. To find a community college near you, check out the Education section of the website.

Tags: Career Preparation, Community College, Hawkeye Community College