If you think that early college credits are only useful for shaving off the first or second year of college, read how these credits can benefit students who enter as freshmen.
When my oldest was in the 8th grade, I thought that the purpose of early college credit was to shave off the first year or two of college. Save money. Save time. Look smart. Many people I encounter think this. But there is more to know about early college credits.
My three children earned over 50 college credits during high school through a combination of CLEP exams and community college courses yet entered as freshmen to four-year colleges. Many people have asked me why my kids didn’t apply as transfer students as college juniors. Read how my kids benefited from early college credits as freshmen.
Look good on college and scholarship applications. When my oldest was entering the 12th grade, I figured she should apply as a freshman to a four-year college just to see what kind of scholarships she might receive. I was still convinced that the transfer route was the way to go but thought that perhaps the early credits would make her look really good to scholarship committees and she could get a huge discount for a full college experience. And then maybe, just maybe, she would like to enter as a freshman. If the scholarships did not materialize, no big deal. She could still take the transfer route. Fortunately, the early credits made her look great; she received enough merit and talent scholarships to pay her entire way through four years of college. Consequently, she was also accepted as a junior at a state college too but opted against that.
Scholarship opportunities are usually more abundant for freshman than for transfer students. The work all three of my kids put into these credits during high school paid off. Scholarships allowed them to experience four years of college without taking on debt.
Capitalize on the four-year experience. My oldest daughter wanted the four-year experience to take advantage of all the rituals and cultural aspects each year could offer. Furthermore, freshmen have time to take advantage of critical skill building experiences. My daughter was a committed violinist who wanted to work her way through the orchestra rankings. It would be difficult to do this entering as a junior because her skill level might be at the freshman level. My son wants to participate in the Formula 1 club for four years at his school and not two. If your student is interested in skill-based experiences or majors (like music), attending four years of college will provide this.
Lighter course load. Early credits can lighten the course load each semester. Instead of 18 credits, a student can take 12 – 14 credits. This might be a blessing during the first year to help your student adjust to the college setting. The lighter course load can provide students extra time to focus on special interest projects or to work with professors in paid positions. Some schools have internship and co-op opportunities. Early college credits can make it easier to study for a double major as well.
Priority scheduling. The early credits will catapult your student above other entering freshmen when it comes to registering for courses. Students register for courses based on the number of credits. Your child will get better professors and better time slots.
Graduate early. Finally, the early college credits can make it possible to graduate from college early if that is what your student desires.
Drawbacks for transfer students. Students who transfer in as juniors might miss out on scheduling priorities. They also miss out on the culture and the connections with fellow students and professors. Transfer students might be younger than their classmates too which is not an advantage. Transfer students have to hit the ground running which might be a shock to homeschooled students.
Conclusion. If your student has accumulated 30+ early college credits, consider the advantages of applying as a freshman rather than a transfer student. There are compelling advantages for starting as a freshman especially if funding is present. Early college credits can help your student get the funding and take advantage of the full college experience. Hopefully the ideas in this post will help you see the benefits that early college credits can provide to students who enter as freshmen.