Earning College Credit While in High School Richmond Hill Northern Virginia Community College

What is dual enrollment? Dual Enrollment is an early college program allowing eligible high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward their high school graduation while also earning college credits. Dual credit: students receive both college credit and high school credit for the same course College Credit Only: students take college courses at a campus and earn only college credit for a course Combination: students expect to receive both college and high school credit for one or more courses.

Why bother with dual enrollment? A way to make the most of the senior year of high school A way to handle the high cost of college Encourages students to maintain rigor in their studies leading to college success Students can gain college credit or work to earn certificates which are valued in certain career fields Allows students to move forward towards their career goal Virginia’s guaranteed transfer policy /transfer/ ademic/articulation.htm /transfer/ ademic/articulation.htm

Who can participate? High school juniors and seniors or homeschooled students At least 16 years of age Pass the college placement test OR have SAT score of 550 or higher on the Critical Reading portion of test Meet all course prerequisites Have approval of Parents (if under 18) Principal High School Counselor NOVA Counselor Campus Dean of Students

What are the benefits? Another alternative for students planning to continue with post- secondary education, but don’t want to go the AP or IB route Earn both high school and college credit for college coursework with successful completion of the course; credit doesn’t depend on just the final exam Demonstrates the ability to do college level work; assures a successful transition from high school to community college and /or four year university Possible to earn an undergraduate degree in less than four years Major cost savings if courses are taken during high school

What else should be considered? A student may not be ready for the challenge of college-level courses A college transcript is started… with good or poor grades Students are not eligible for federal financial aid

Which classes are available? General education courses such as: English composition US history or government Pre-calculus or other advanced math Biology, Chemistry or Physics Career & Technical Education courses such as: IT courses Auto Tech HVAC Photography

What do students need to do to take a dual enrolled class? Speak with a NOVA counselor to learn about the responsibilities and expectations for dual enrolled students Apply to NOVA to obtain the NOVA ID Have parents sign the dual enrollment permission form Learn about the college placement test(s) Practice for the test Take and receive a qualifying score on the placement test Meet with NOVA Dual Enrollment Counselor and bring signed DE forms to be enrolled in DE Course(s) Pay the required tuition Purchase the required textbook(s) Attend classes, do the assignments and participate in class Enjoy the new challenge!

Richmond Hill, Dual Enrollment Coordinator