Why Early College Programs Are Worth The Investment

Early college programs are an alternative route for students to complete an associate degree alongside their high school diploma. These programs are designed to ease the transition into college, especially for students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education. Students who attend early college programs can graduate with a significant number of college credits, reducing the cost of attending a four-year university.

Students can complete an associate degree by the end of 12th grade

Early college high schools are gaining traction as a way to expand college readiness and affordability. These programs, often small public high schools serving grades 9-12, allow students to earn up to two years of college credit at no additional cost. Students in grades 9 and 10 are prepared for college courses, which they begin in grades 11 and 12.

There are now over 300 early college high schools across 28 states in the US. Since the launch of the Early College High School Initiative in 2002, these schools have expanded their offerings to include summer programs, college advising, and other academic support services for underrepresented and first-generation college students.

According to The Hechinger Report, 22% of early college high school students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. While early college programs come at a higher cost than traditional high schools, a cost-benefit study by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) found that the benefits to students and society outweigh the costs by a factor of 15.

AIR compared students who attended early college high schools with those who attended traditional high schools. Within six years of high school graduation, 45% of early college students had a postsecondary degree, compared to 34% of students from traditional high schools.

Another study of Bard High School Early Colleges (BHSEC), a nationwide network of early college public high schools, showed similar results. 69% of BHSEC students earned a college degree within four years, compared to 56% of students from selective/specialized high schools and 38% of students from traditional high schools.

The benefits of early college programs extend beyond graduation rates. Graduates of these programs are more likely to earn bachelor's degrees than their peers from traditional high schools. Early college programs also provide students with the opportunity to save on the cost of a four-year college degree by earning college credits at a lower cost.

In conclusion, early college high school programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to complete an associate degree by the end of 12th grade, setting them on a path towards further academic and career success.

Students can enter four-year universities as transfer students

Transferring from a community college to a four-year university is a popular path for students. In fact, according to a 2017 report from the NSC Research Center, about 1 in 2 graduates who earned a four-year degree in 2016 had attended a two-year school at some point in the past decade. Many students begin their college careers at community colleges to save money, get general education credits out of the way, and make a more informed decision about potential majors.

Transferring colleges can be tricky, and the acceptance rate for transfer students is generally lower than it is for freshmen. However, it is still possible to transfer successfully if you plan ahead and follow through.

• Research potential schools and the transfer process: Look into the features you want in your new program, such as academic quality, school size, cost, campus environment, and available resources. Understand how transfer credits work and reach out to the schools you're interested in to inquire about a preliminary evaluation of credits.
• Meet with your academic advisor: They can help you navigate the transfer process and provide information about transfer agreements the school holds with other institutions.
• Check for articulation agreements: Articulation agreements are formal agreements between colleges that simplify the transfer process for students. These agreements usually mean that more of your college credits can transfer, saving you time and money.
• Prepare your application: The application process for transfer students is different from that for first-time college students. Many schools don't require SAT or ACT scores for transfer students but focus more on your academic performance in previous college courses. You will need to request transcripts from all previously attended colleges and may also need letters of recommendation and a personal statement explaining your reasons for transferring.
• Explore financial aid options: Research scholarships and financial aid opportunities, especially those targeting transfer students or your intended major.

By following these steps and starting to plan as early as possible, you can increase your chances of successfully transferring to a four-year university.

Students receive extra support in tackling college-level material

Early college programs are designed to allow students to work towards a high school diploma and an associate degree or other college credentials simultaneously, at no cost. These programs are partnerships between a local educational agency and at least one higher education institution.

Unlike dual enrollment programs, early college programs generally provide additional support services to students, and intentionally recruit students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education. Early college programs help ease the transition into college, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds who tend to struggle the most with this transition.

Students in early college programs receive extra support in tackling college-level material. For instance, instead of assigning the whole novel of 'The Brothers Karamazov' in a week, additional office hours in the writing center may be provided to help students tackle a chapter. Early college programs also tend to offer students help with the college application process when it comes time to move on to a four-year university. This is particularly beneficial for first-generation college students whose families may not be able to assist them effectively.

Early college programs usually allow students to earn about 60 college credits by the time they've completed their high school program. Although traditional high school students may also earn a lot of college credit by taking Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, these don't add up to an associate degree.

Students who graduate from early college programs have the option to enter a four-year university as transfer students or as completely new first-year students.

Students receive help with the application process to four-year colleges

Early college programs are designed to allow students to work towards a high school diploma and an associate degree or other college credentials simultaneously. Students in these programs can complete an associate degree by the time they finish high school and receive support in tackling college-level material and applying to four-year colleges.

The application process for four-year colleges can be intimidating, especially for first-generation college students whose families may not be able to assist them. Early college programs help ease the transition into college and provide support in the college application process.

Students should begin working on their college applications during the summer between their junior and senior years of high school. They should also start researching colleges in their junior year at the latest. This includes using college search websites, finders, guidebooks, and ranking lists to identify schools that align with their goals and priorities.

Choose the Right Classes

Students should take challenging classes that demonstrate their willingness to push themselves academically. While it's not necessary to take every honours and AP course, excelling in some of the hardest courses offered by their school can strengthen their application. It's important to consider which classes to take based on their past grades, interests, and future college goals.

Get Good Grades

Maintaining good grades, especially in sophomore and junior years, is crucial. Colleges view high school GPA as a strong predictor of a student's potential for academic success. Good grades in AP classes also show that the student can handle college-level coursework.

Excel in Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in the quality of a college application. Colleges look for exceptional achievements outside the classroom and individuals who pursue their passions. Sustained commitment to a limited number of extracurricular activities is more impressive than participating in many different activities for a short period.

Ace Standardized Tests

Students should start studying for standardised tests, such as the SAT/ACT, during their sophomore year. Taking the PSAT or PreACT in the sophomore year can help familiarise them with the test format. It's recommended to take the SAT/ACT in the fall of their junior year, with the option to retake it in the spring if they want to improve their score.

Get Superb Recommendations

Recommendations are an important part of the application process. Students should ask teachers, coaches, or mentors who know them well to write letters of recommendation. It's best to make these requests in the spring of their junior year to give recommenders ample time to write thoughtful letters.

Write Outstanding College Essays

The personal essay is a critical and time-consuming part of the application process. Students should start working on their essays during the summer before their senior year to ensure they have enough time to polish and perfect them before the deadlines. It's essential to dedicate time and effort to writing these essays, as they give colleges a deeper understanding of the applicant.

Final Thoughts

While the steps outlined above are essential, students may also need to consider additional factors depending on their situation and the colleges they apply to. For example, aspiring college athletes may need to participate in the athletic recruiting process, and art school applicants may need to create a portfolio. Financial aid and scholarships are other aspects that require extra time and planning.

Students can graduate high school with a year's worth of college credit

Early college programs allow students to graduate high school with a year's worth of college credit. This means that students can graduate high school early, or they can use the extra credits to get a head start on their college education. These programs can be an excellent investment for students, as they can save time and money on their path to a college degree.

The benefits of early college programs are significant. Firstly, they provide students with an opportunity to earn college credits at no additional cost. This can help reduce the overall cost of a college education, which is a significant financial burden for many students. Secondly, by earning college credits in high school, students can graduate from college sooner, allowing them to enter the workforce and start earning an income faster. This can have a significant impact on their long-term earnings potential.

In addition to the financial benefits, early college programs offer academic advantages as well. Students in these programs have the opportunity to experience college-level courses while still in high school, which can help them develop stronger study habits and critical thinking skills. This head start can better prepare them for the rigours of college-level academics and set them up for success in their chosen field of study.

Furthermore, early college programs often provide students with a smoother transition from high school to college. By exposing students to college expectations and giving them a taste of college life, these programs can help students feel more confident and better equipped to handle the challenges of higher education. This can lead to higher college graduation rates and improved career prospects for participating students.

Overall, early college programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to get a head start on their college education and graduate high school with a year's worth of college credit. The benefits include reduced college costs, accelerated degree completion, improved academic preparation, and a smoother transition to college life. For students and families looking to invest in their future, early college programs can be a worthwhile consideration.

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