Minnesota high school students can -- and do -- get college credits for free while still in high school in a variety of ways.
A new report by the Center for School Change at Macalester College outlines the enrollment of four programs: Advanced Placement (the most popular option), Concurrent Enrollment, International Baccalaureate and Post Secondary Enrollment Options.
Students ought to consider which program might best match their needs and learning styles, notes Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change.
For example, a student who struggles with tests might find Concurrent Enrollment a better option than AP because the credit is based on a semester grade, rather than a single test.
Here are a few characteristics of the four programs. Add your own impressions and experiences in the comments.
Advanced Placement (AP)
- Offered in the high schools
- Taught by high school instructors
- Credit dependent on passing AP exam; different institutions require different scores
- "These courses prepare students for further education and college admissions offices often look favorably on a history of AP coursework on student transcripts," according to the Minnesota Department of Education.
Concurrent Enrollment (CE)
- Offered in the high schools
- (Mostly) taught by high school instructors who are partnered with college/university faculty. When the University of Minnesota is the partner institution, it's called "College in the Schools"
- Credit dependent on class grade
- Depending on the partner institution and the college of choice, credits may or may not transfer
International Baccalaureate (IB)
