Ways to Earn College Credit

The need for higher education is becoming increasingly important. In 1955, more than 50% of available jobs could be filled by people with no more than a high school education, and many of those jobs paid wages that were sufficient to raise a family and afford a comfortable life. Over the years, fewer and fewer jobs could be filled by a person with only a high school education, and wages paid by these jobs were not enough to provide a comfortable lifestyle. Most experts agree that at least two years of education beyond high school should be considered a must for every person who hopes to occupy a job that pays a wage that will comfortably cover normal living expenses. All L’Anse Creuse Public School
students are encouraged to attend at least two years of post-high school education.

Additionally, there are several ways students can begin to earn college credits while still in high school:

• Advanced Placement Exam - The College Board provides examinations in the spring of
  each year that may be taken by students who complete Advanced Placement courses. If the student scores well enough on the exam, he or she may earn college credit. The number of credits and the area in which they are granted varies depending on the college. Students who are interested in pursuing this route should enroll in the most rigorous program of study beginning their freshman year.
     
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - CLEP provides opportunities for any competent and serious student who is trying to earn college credit by taking an exam. There are a number of different CLEP exams offered throughout the year in various locations. If you are interested, you should enroll in the most rigorous program available, and you should see your counselor for CLEP opportunities in this area. A CLEP exam must be taken before the student enters college. Students do NOT need to have taken an Advanced Placement course. 
       
• Dual Enrollment - Dual enrollment is when students are enrolled in high school and college classes simultaneously. Under certain circumstances, juniors and seniors may be eligible for some tuition credit through the district’s dual enrollment program. Prior to their junior year, students will receive a letter describing the conditions. In addition, a few very capable students with qualifying grade point averages and letters of recommendation may earn college tuition scholarships through Macomb Community College. Counselors initiate this process in the spring of each year for qualifying juniors and seniors. See the following page for additional information regarding dual enrollment. 
     
• Online (Virtual) Courses - Students have an opportunity to take classes online for credit. Online classes can be used to take advanced courses, courses not currently offered in the high school curriculum, and in some cases, courses to recover lost credits. These classes may be used for credit towards graduation, however, it will be at the discretion of each individual college or university as to whether the courses will be accepted as part of a student’s transcript. Administrative approval must be obtained before enrolling in virtual courses, and tuition costs may be the responsibility of the student. Contact a school counselor for more information.