The transition from high school to college can be challenging, even for the most prepared students. An effective way to get a feel for college before actually attending is to sign up for dual enrollment classes while you’re still in high school. Dual enrollment courses, like those offered through Villa Maria College’s Buffalo Public School program, allow students to take college courses in high school. There are many benefits of dual credit courses, including easing the academic transition and building confidence before college.
Advantages of Dual Enrollment
Whether or not you’ve considered attending college after high school, you can benefit from taking dual enrollment classes. “The primary goals of the program are to provide students with the prospect of earning college credit while still in high school and to demonstrate to students they have the skills to be successful in college while being supported by their high school teachers,” said Ms. Stephanie Finn, Project Administrator for Curriculum Initiatives in the Buffalo Public Schools Department of Library and Curriculum Initiatives.
Earn High School and College Credit Simultaneously
Dual credit courses count toward both your high school diploma and potential college degree, making it a win-win for students who participate. Of course, to obtain those credits, you’ll need to pass dual credit courses with at least a C-grade and make sure the college you plan on attending accepts your dual enrollment credits. Villa gladly counts these credits toward its programs.
Get a Head Start On College
Earning college credits while in high school is one of the best benefits of dual credit programs. “Students who are successful in dual enrollment courses can utilize their experience as they navigate through the [college] admissions process,” Ms. Finn shared. Because dual credit classes through Villa are free to qualified Buffalo Public School students, you might end up saving money if your credits are accepted by the college you choose to attend. Depending on how many dual credit classes you take and the major you choose, it’s possible dual enrollment classes may even help you graduate early.
Experience College-Level Coursework
Villa’s current dual enrollment course offerings include nine fine arts and music options. Students should expect these courses to be demanding. The content in these courses is on the same level as it would be in a traditional college setting. Learning to adjust to college-level curricula in high school helps ease this transition later since you’ll already know what to expect.
“These courses help students gain confidence in their abilities. Some students who have participated tell us they wouldn’t have considered college prior to their experience in the program. The dual credit courses helped them realize college is a real option and opportunity for them,” Ms. Finn said.
Learn With Your High School Teachers
New teachers and classroom environments also contribute to difficulties when shifting from high school to college. However, dual enrollment classes are taught in your high school classroom by your high school teachers. According to Ms. Finn, this fosters a sense of community between students and their teachers as learners build self-esteem.
“Students in dual enrollment courses are taught by their high school teachers, so there’s already a relationship there,” she said. “This helps students feel more comfortable requesting academic support if they need it. Many of our high schools offer before- and after-school time to provide this support to dual credit students.”
Tour Villa and Have Your Portfolio Reviewed
Students enrolled in Villa’s dual enrollment program have the chance to visit the campus and tour Villa’s state-of-the-art facilities. “These field trips allow students to tour the art and music studios and classrooms as well as meet faculty,” Ms. Finn said. “It’s a welcoming experience appreciated by students who have taken these courses, especially if they haven’t had the chance to visit a campus or were uncertain about attending college.”
During these trips, students can bring their artwork and participate in an informal portfolio review. “This is usually a new experience for many of our students, but it’s an important aspect of studio art courses at the college level so it’s great they get this opportunity at the high school level,” Ms. Finn shared.
Learn More About the Benefits of Dual Credit
Interested in learning more about Villa’s dual enrollment courses? Reach out to Villa or your high school counselor to find out more about the program, including eligibility requirements and how to register. You can also check out our FAQ for additional information.
