Dual enrollment and early entrance course selection . . .
One of the keys to early college success is course selection. Many parents suggest their child audit the first class rather than take it for credit. I’m torn on that approach as knowing there is no grade may not make the class requirements as real to a young student.
Regardless of your approach to credit, the following guidelines should help you in your initial course selections:
• Students considering early college should start with one class in an area of strength and build from there.
• It is wise to check the course syllabus on-line prior to registering for a course (great way to check depth, pace and workload) and to make a visit to the college bookstore to review the texts.
• Consideration as to class size should be made. Early college students should think about the environment that they will thrive in (small class or large lecture hall) and choose their opportunities appropriately.
• Groups projects are fairly common on many campuses – even in courses such as math, literature and economics. If your student isn’t ready for group-work, check the syllabus prior to registration so you can find a class without group projects.
• It’s important to remember that grades in college do count and may have an impact on one’s future. While many parents are happy that their child has access to advanced content and not worried about grades, that ‘C’ in a class at age 14 or 16 will be considered when the student applies to 4 year universities, for summer programs and internships, for scholarships, for graduate school and may even impact a change in major.
• Many colleges have an intensive writing focus called “Writing Across the Curriculum.” This focus means even some math and science courses may be writing intensive and noted as such in the course descriptions. If you are looking for math or science courses, but have a reluctant writer, be sure and check the course’s writing requirements prior to registration.
• Remember to consider the homework load as you add additional classes to your schedule. A good guideline is 2 – 3 hours of homework time for every hour of course credit weekly. That means a 3 credit French I course averages 6 – 9 hours of homework weekly (adds us quickly doesn’t it?) That homework commitment may vary by student and subject, but many find it a good planning tool to keep from being over-extended.
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