It is Safe2Say
1-844-SAF2SAY

Online Dual Enrollment

What is an Online Dual Enrollment Course?

Online dual enrollment coursework allows our 11th and 12th grade students at Loyalsock Township HS an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school through the successful completion of online college coursework. LTHS currently offers online dual enrollment coursework through: Commonwealth University and Harrisburg Area Community College.

Who is Eligible for Online Dual Enrollment Coursework?

These courses are only available to 11th and 12th grade students who have an overall GPA of an 85% or higher. Students considering dual enrollment coursework should be academically ready to succeed at the postsecondary level and capable of handling more accelerated classes. Typically students who do well in dual enrollment have earned high grades (A’s & B’s) in their core classes.

The emotional maturity and level of responsibility the student is ready to assume are also major considerations for success in dual enrollment. Careful attention should be given to the student’s ability to work independently, attend classes regularly, and to complete assigned work without close supervision.

Students should discuss this option with their school counselor, teachers, and family to determine if a dual enrollment course is a good fit for them and their academic and post-secondary plan.

Benefits/Considerations: Taking an Online Dual Enrollment Course

Benefits:

  • College tuition has increased exponentially in the last decade, making attending college one of the largest and most expensive investments an individual can make. Perhaps the biggest benefit of dual enrollment is that you may start accumulating college credits, helping you graduate from college on time or even early. Dual enrollment coursework could potentially save students a lot of money! The average 3-credit course at a Pennsylvania college/university is around $2,000.
    • Further, LTSD will reimburse $150 per dual enrollment course, for up to 2 courses (maximum of $300 per school year), as long as the student earns a “C” or better in the course(s). This means that if a Loyalsock student takes and passes two dual enrollment courses through Mansfield University during a single school year, they will ultimately earn 6 college credits for free.
  • Dual enrollment courses often cover subjects not available at LTHS or can give students a deeper look at an area of academic interest. Exposure to diverse coursework can also help students formulate clearer academic/college goals and choose a major. Studies indicate that the average college student changes their major three times, and many students enter college undecided about what they want to study. By taking diverse classes for credit while still in high school, students get exposure to a bigger array of subjects that could help as they choose a major and career path.
  • Dual enrollment coursework can give students the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for college academics to college admissions committees. Any dual enrollment coursework and your final grade(s) will be listed on your transcript, and each course has a weight of 1.06. Taking a college-level course will help you demonstrate the ability to handle rigorous coursework.
  • Dual enrollment programs can also expedite degree completion. According to a study, 88% of students in dual enrollment programs continue with college after high school.

Considerations:

  • If a course is already available at LTHS, it might be best to take it here. Colleges may wonder why a student chose to take an intro-level course through an online dual enrollment program if there’s an AP class in the same subject available at the high school level. Colleges recognize that high school AP classes may well prove more challenging than an intro-level college course (AP courses are weighted 1.08; online dual enrollment are weighted 1.06.
  • It’s important to know that not all colleges will accept dual enrollment credits. Do your research and take courses that will actually transfer to the school you plan or want to attend. Dual enrollment programs tend to be most successful for students who plan on transferring to public in-state colleges, as these institutions are more likely to accept dual enrollment credits. Private, highly selective, and/or out-of-state colleges, by contrast, are less likely to accept these credits.
  • Dual enrollment courses are real college courses for real college credit; the grades will go on your permanent record. Students need to be aware that they are beginning their college transcript when taking a dual enrollment course, and they cannot be removed. If a student chooses to withdraw from their dual enrollment course because they are not doing well or they don’t like the course, there is a possibility that it can negatively affect your future financial aid and/or put you on academic probation when you start your traditional college coursework.
  • Students will be treated as college students in an “adult” environment. Your dual enrollment professors will not be in contact with your school counselor, principal, or family if they have concerns or you are not doing well in their course. If you have found that you do not do well while learning independently, an online dual enrollment course is probably not for you.
  • Students will not receive marking period or mid-semester grades. You likely will only receive a final grade for the course, which you’ll receive at the conclusion of the semester.
  • Students are required to pay for their own books and materials/lab fees.
  • The college coursework will have a different schedule/timeline than the coursework you are taking at LTHS. The student is responsible for managing these two separate academic calendars and should be aware that their breaks/vacation times and the course start/end dates will differ. Failure to consider dissimilar schedules could result in a limitation of course selections, an overlapping of courses, or even hinder completion of a course.
Translate »
×
Parents
×
Site Shortcuts
×
Online Learning Resources