The last Friday Flight Plan Newsletter was on Dual Enrollment Demystified: 7 Proven Essentials Every Parent Should Know. If you’re not getting these newsletters, don’t miss another one. Sign up here!
Here’s a summary of the main points we covered:
Outline: Friday Flight Plan – Dual Enrollment Demystified: 7 Proven Essentials Every Parent Should Know
1. Introduction
- Common confusion about dual enrollment (DE) among parents.
- Personal story of feeling overwhelmed by course catalogs.
- Reassurance: it’s doable and can be a game-changer for families.
- Purpose: explain what DE is, how it works, and what to consider before starting.
2. What Exactly Is Dual Enrollment?
- Definition: high schoolers take college-level classes that count for both high school and college credit.
- Alternate names: Move On When Ready, Dual Credit, Early College.
- Core idea: early start on college while finishing high school.
3. Why Families Choose Dual Enrollment
Top Reasons:
- Challenge – meets needs of advanced or bored students.
- Cost Savings – subsidized or free tuition in many states.
- Head Start – can shorten time in college.
- Confidence Boost – builds maturity and independence.
- Transcript Strength – shows academic rigor to colleges.
4. How Dual Enrollment Works in Real Life
Key Points:
- Eligibility: usually grade 10+, GPA minimum, placement test (ACCUPLACER/SAT/ACT).
- Where Classes Happen: campus, online, or hybrid.
- Credit Conversion: 3–4 college credits = 1 high school credit (e.g., ENG 1101).
- Scheduling: varies from one class to full-time DE depending on readiness.
5. The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Tuition savings.
- Fills transcript gaps.
- Real-world academic experience.
Cons:
- Requires maturity and responsibility.
- Credits may not always transfer.
- Less control over environment and pacing.
6. What About Transcripts and GPA?
- Yes—list DE courses on the homeschool transcript.
- Use official course titles (e.g., ENG 1101 English Composition I).
- Award 1.0 HS credit per 3–4 college credits.
- Weight GPA higher (like honors/AP).
- Parent ensures course fits into high school plan.
7. How Colleges See Dual Enrollment
- Generally positive view: shows readiness and rigor.
- Cautions:
- Credit acceptance varies—always check transfer policies.
- Selective schools may prefer AP/IB but still value DE experience.
- Even if not transferable, experience builds key skills.
8. Is Your Teen Ready?
Questions for Parents:
- Can they handle the reading/writing load?
- Do they manage time and deadlines well?
- Are they mature enough for adult settings?
- Which format fits best: online vs. in-person?
- Sometimes “not yet” is okay—waiting can be wise.
9. Practical Steps to Get Started
- Check your state’s DE program (e.g., GAfutures.org for Georgia).
- Research colleges (local or online) and their requirements.
- Ask about transferability—confirm credit acceptance.
- Plan the big picture—align with four-year high school plan.
- Update the transcript—track and record everything early.
10. Final Encouragement
- DE isn’t a race—it’s about preparation and growth.
- Every family’s timeline is unique; it’s okay if it’s not the right season.
- Support reminder: help is available for transcripts and planning.
- CTA:
👉 Download the free “Is Your Teen Ready?” Dual Enrollment Checklist.
11. Tool of the Week: Transfer Equivalency Table
- Purpose: check if DE credits will transfer to future colleges.
- How to Use:
- Google “Transfer Equivalency Table [College Name]”.
- Select the result for that college.
- Enter state and course info to view transfer matches.
- Example:
- ENG 101 at ASU → transfers to ENG 1101 Composition I at KSU.
- Pro Tip:
- Even if transferring DE credits, apply as a Freshman, not a Transfer student—to keep freshman scholarships.
Dual Enrollment Demystified: 7 Proven Essentials Every Parent Should Know
