If you are looking for a challenge or just want to get a head start on your post-high school career, dual enrollment options might be a good fit. Participation in a Dual Enrollment program can ease the transition from high school to college, provides students an early start on their college careers by earning college credits while still in high school, and offers meaningful and challenging academic experiences to qualified students.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual Enrollment is a process through which a high school student takes one or more courses from a state public or private postsecondary institution and receives credit at the high school and at the postsecondary institution. The dual enrollment guidelines vary according to the type of dual enrollment program the student is involved in.
Who can participate in Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is open to students enrolled in high school, accepted by an eligible state public or private postsecondary institution, and meet criteria for participation in the specific dual enrollment program. Students typically begin dual enrollment coursework in their junior or senior year of high school, if they meet specific eligibility requirements established by the funding source (i.e. FTE, lottery-funded grant program). Additional eligibility requirements may be established by the funding source and/or individual postsecondary institution, such as minimum GPA or test scores.
What classes can I take through Dual Enrollment?
Approved courses are those identified by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) as eligible. Courses must count toward high school graduation requirements and students cannot receive duplicate credit for classes already completed at the high school. A list of approved courses can be found on the GaDOE website.
How do I pay for Dual Enrollment classes?
Applicable options can be discussed with the Counseling Office. The two most common funding sources are Accel and Move on When Ready (MOWR).
- Accel is funded through Georgia Student Finance Commission using lottery funding and covers tuition, approved fees, and a book allowance. Funds count toward total paid hours for HOPE Scholarship.
- MOWR is funded through state funds and covers tuition, materials, and fees but requires students to enroll full-time (minimum of 12 semester hours) at the postsecondary institution.
What steps do I need to take to participate?
- Apply and be accepted at the postsecondary institution: Interested students should contact the postsecondary institution of their choice for more information on admissions, participation requirements, and deadlines. All students must apply on or before March 30, 2012.
- Mandatory Advisement: Your participation in Dual Enrollment and your college course selections must be approved by your high school counselor prior to registering with the college. If you are planning to enroll in college full-time (12 semester hours or more), you and your parent(s) must attend a mandatory advisement meeting with your assigned counselor on or before March 30th.
- Apply for funding: Appropriate application (Accel, MOWR, etc.) must be completed and approved.
TIPS
Some colleges may request the following supporting materials in addition to the application:
- High school transcript – This can be requested from Ms. Ross in the Counseling Office. Transcripts are $2 each and require a 2-3 day turnaround time.
- Test scores – Fulton County Schools do not maintain or report official test scores; scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Plan ahead – this can take six weeks. Make sure you have taken any required tests (SAT or ACT) in time to meet upcoming deadlines. This may mean registering for the March/April test date. For the SAT visit www.collegeboard.com or (866) 756-7346; for the ACT visit www.act.org or (800) 525-6926.
- Immunizations – Send your personal copy or, if an official copy is required, contact your local Health Department or your physician’s office.
