Having 30+ early college credits doesn’t mean you have to apply as a transfer student. Apply as a freshman and reap some benefits not often discussed in mom circles.
When my oldest was in the 8th grade, I thought that the only purpose of early college credit was to shave off the first year or two of college. Save money. Save time. Look smart. I believed that students with 30+ credits should never apply as a college freshman. Why would you?
Thankfully I discovered that early college credit can serve college freshmen in productive ways. My three children earned over 50 college credits during high school through a combination of CLEP exams and community college courses. All three entered four-year colleges as freshmen and discovered the benefits.
Look good on college and scholarship applications. A big advantage of applying as a freshman is that scholarship opportunities are usually more abundant for freshman than for transfer students.
When my oldest was entering 12th grade with 50+ college credits we assumed she would transfer to a four-year school as a junior. Then a light bulb moment occurred. What if she applied as a freshman too? Maybe the early credits would make her look impressive to scholarship committees. 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, she received enough merit and talent scholarships to cover four years of college plus she was enthused about entering as a freshman.
Capitalize on the four-year experience. Participate in skill-building activities and cherished college rituals over four years instead of two.
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.
A lighter course load might bless a first-year student adjusting to the college setting. A lighter course load can provide students extra time to focus on special interest projects, participate in skill-building clubs, play a sport, play in a music group, or work with professors in paid positions. Some schools have internship and co-op opportunities too.
Double Major or Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program. Early college credits can open the door to enroll in accelerated majors or dual major programs and complete them in less time.
My son’s roommate entered as a freshman with over 60 credits and has enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program. The early college credits will allow him to complete the program comfortably in 4 years instead of 5 thus saving money.
Priority scheduling. Early credits can reward a student with the opportunity to register for courses sooner than other entering freshmen. 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 and opportunities. They also miss out on the culture and the connections with fellow students and professors.
Transfer students might be younger than their classmates which can be a social disadvantage. They may have to hit the ground running which might be a shock to homeschooled students. Furthermore, transfer students run the risk of requiring an extra year because previous credits don’t align, or necessary courses are not available in the shorter time frame.
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 scholarships and take advantage of the full college experience. Other possibilities include early graduation, extra course work, accelerated degrees, and internships.
Don’t be afraid to load up on early college credit. Boatloads of early college credit don’t necessitate applying as a transfer student. Those early credits can be a boon to students wanting a four-year experience. Good luck to you and your student as you help prepare them for a successful future.