Dual enrollment offers high school students a chance to earn college credits early. Many wonder how to include these courses on their college applications. The Common App, a widely used platform for college admissions, has specific guidelines for reporting dual enrollment classes.

You can add weekend dual enrollment courses on the Common App in the "Colleges & Universities" section. This applies to courses taken at a college or university, even if they don't count for high school credit. The Common App provides a separate area to list these classes, distinguishing them from regular high school coursework.

Dual enrollment courses that also count for high school credit should be listed in the "Courses & Grades" section. This ensures colleges see the full picture of your academic achievements. It's important to report these classes accurately to showcase your advanced coursework and college readiness.

Key Takeaways

• Dual enrollment courses can be reported on the Common App
• Weekend college courses go in the "Colleges & Universities" section
• Accurate reporting helps showcase academic achievements

Understanding Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses. It offers academic benefits and can save time and money. Students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment gives students a head start on college. They can earn credits that count for both high school and college degrees. This can save money on tuition and shorten the time to get a degree.

Students get to experience college-level work while still in high school. This helps them prepare for full-time college studies. They learn important skills like time management and note-taking.

Dual enrollment classes look good on college applications. They show that a student can handle advanced coursework. This can make students more competitive when applying to colleges.

How Dual Enrollment Works

Students typically take dual enrollment classes at a community college or university. Some high schools offer these courses on their campus. Classes may be in-person, online, or a mix of both.

To enroll, students must meet certain requirements. These often include:

• Minimum GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Teacher recommendations

Students register for classes through their high school or the college. They follow the college's academic calendar and policies. Grades earned in dual enrollment courses usually appear on both high school and college transcripts.

Costs vary by program. Some schools cover all expenses, while others require students to pay for books or fees.

The Common App and Dual Enrollment

The Common App provides options for reporting dual enrollment courses. Students can add these classes to show their academic achievements and college readiness.

Adding Dual Enrollment to Your Application

Students can add dual enrollment courses in the Education section of the Common App. They should list the community college or university under "Colleges & Universities" as an institution attended.

It's important to check the box indicating college courses taken before high school graduation. This clearly shows admissions officers the student's dual enrollment status.

Students may also need to send official transcripts from the college to their applying schools. This ensures all dual enrollment credits are properly documented.

Dual Enrollment Courses on Your High School Transcript

Dual enrollment courses receiving high school credit should be reported in the Courses & Grades section of the Common App. These classes typically appear on the high school transcript.

Students should list these courses in the Current or Most Recent Year Courses section. This includes all enrolled courses for the year, even those offering both high school and college credit.

If a dual enrollment course does not appear on the high school transcript, it does not need to be reported in Courses & Grades. However, it should still be listed under the Colleges & Universities section.

Submitting College Transcripts

Getting college transcripts to your chosen schools is a key step in the application process. This includes transcripts from dual enrollment classes taken at community colleges.

Requesting Transcripts from Community College

To get your dual enrollment transcripts, contact the registrar's office at your community college. Ask about their transcript request process. Many schools let you order transcripts online. You may need to pay a small fee.

Make sure to request official transcripts. These are sent directly from the college to your chosen schools. Unofficial copies won't be accepted for admission.

Order transcripts early. It can take 1-2 weeks for processing and delivery.

How to Submit College Transcripts to Colleges

Most colleges want official transcripts sent directly from your community college. Check each school's website for their exact requirements.

Some schools may let you self-report courses on your application first. You'll then send official transcripts if admitted.

For the Common App, list dual enrollment classes under "Colleges & Universities". Add the community college as an institution you attended.

Remember to send transcripts to all schools you're applying to. This ensures they have your complete academic record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dual enrollment courses can be tricky to report on college applications. These questions address common concerns about listing weekend and summer classes, transcripts, and how colleges view dual enrollment.

How do I report dual enrollment courses on the Common Application?

Dual enrollment courses should be listed under the 'Colleges & Universities' section of the Common App. Add the community college as an institution attended.

Check the box indicating college courses taken before high school graduation.

Where should I list my college courses taken during weekends in the Common Application?

Weekend dual enrollment courses are reported the same way as other dual enrollment classes. They go in the 'Colleges & Universities' section of the Common App.

Add the college where you took the weekend courses as an institution you've attended.

What is the difference between dual credit and dual enrollment on the Common Application?

Dual credit courses give both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment courses only provide college credit.

On the Common App, report courses that appear on your high school transcript in the Courses & Grades section.

How do colleges view dual enrollment when considering applications?

Colleges generally view dual enrollment positively. It shows academic initiative and the ability to handle college-level work.

Dual enrollment can demonstrate a student's readiness for higher education.

Do I need to send separate transcripts for dual enrollment courses to the colleges I am applying to?

Yes, students usually need to send separate transcripts from the college where they took dual enrollment courses.

Check with each college you're applying to for their specific requirements regarding dual enrollment transcripts.

How should summer courses be categorized when reporting them on the Common Application?

Summer dual enrollment courses are reported like other dual enrollment classes. List them under the 'Colleges & Universities' section.

Add the college where you took the summer courses as an institution you've attended.