There are many different ways that students can show their preparation for college, and concurrent enrollment classes are one of the more popular options. These courses allow high school students to participate in college courses, empowering them to learn, improve, grow, and impress.

Every year, high school students decide whether or not these courses fit into their schedules. In this article, we will explore how concurrent enrollment classes benefit college applications for high school students!

Exploring the benefits of Concurrent Enrollment classes for the college application process

With concurrent enrollment classes, students gain high-quality college education and gain what they need to help their applications shine. If you’re looking to explore how these courses can help you to get ahead in the application process, look no further–these are some of the benefits you will want to know!

Concurrent Enrollment classes show colleges you are ready for college-level courses

When a college is considering whether or not a student is a good match, they are really trying to decide if that student is ready for college and likely to contribute to their campus culture in a positive way. Participating in concurrent enrollment classes can help students clearly show prospective colleges that they are, without question, ready for college-level courses—because they have already taken them!

Concurrent enrollment courses are college courses, and any student who successfully participates in them shows every university that they are ready to attend college and embrace college learning completely. While there are other factors that can show this, these courses are a really effective way to prove to colleges and universities that you have what it takes to be successful in college courses.

Colleges know that every student is different, and every student has their own journey through learning. Some students come to college and need to learn how to perform in college courses, but students who take college courses while they are still in high school make it clear that they are adequately prepared for college-level performance in advance.

Taking college classes in high school helps you demonstrate your expected level of early performance

Students who participate in concurrent enrollment classes learn that they realistically take the course in two places–in high school and in college. The courses can take place at either location, but they also exist on two different transcripts due to their dual purpose. You get credit in two places with these courses, showing two schools your grades.

In addition to participating in a course that offers proper high school credit, students are also actively taking a genuine college course. While AP courses are only high school courses with an optional opportunity to receive college credit based on their performance on the AP exam, which is separate from the course, concurrent enrollment is an actual college class.

How students perform in concurrent enrollment classes can be a great indicator of how they will actually perform in other college courses. The reason is easy—these students are already taking college courses, so the level should be a true and accurate representation of their performance down the line.

A successful concurrent enrollment class proves that students can perform well in college by showing any college or university what their college class performance looks like. This is similar to students who start at a community college and transfer. It just proves that you are a serious student who will perform.

Concurrent Enrollment helps students prepare for college

Transitioning from high school to college can be a big change for students, but students who participate in concurrent enrollment classes get that experience early. Any student who takes these courses gets early exposure to college coursework and the level of demand that they should expect. Colleges know that a student who has taken these courses is a student who has actively prepared for college life.

When students embrace these courses, they often learn new things and get a much better gauge on what their future college academic demand will be. Colleges and universities can find comfort in this extra level of preparation, making it easier to make you a great choice when it comes time to review applications from other high school students.

Many students transition from high school to college after graduation, and they do just fine. However, a little preparation can go a long way and help students to perform better during their first semester at a college or university.

A little early preparation is good for students and the schools that consider them!

Prospective students who embrace Concurrent Enrollment classes demonstrate ambition

Every college and university wants to bring the best and brightest to their school, and they tend to look for students that shine. Students use their applications to show what makes them the best pick, and these types of courses prove to colleges and universities that these prospective students have one thing—ambition.

Some students coast through high school before college, and while that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it may not appeal to certain schools. Choosing to take college courses during high school years is a good way for students to show colleges that they are ambitious and willing to rise to the challenge to get ahead in their academic careers.

These students enter college with a pre-existing college transcript!

When students attend these optional classes, they show college is the goal

There are many different opinions about college, and some people feel more strongly than others. While some students may enter college because their parents want them to or because they feel it is a natural next step, other students operate with a clear goal in mind: getting into college.

Colleges and universities want to admit high school students who are enthusiastic about college, and taking college courses in advance is a clear indicator. Students who are passionate about attending college are more likely to participate in college events, campus culture, and their own academics. This means that they are more likely to give and receive at any school they attend.

A student who is eager to attend a school is a student who is going to bring their very best to it, and this helps colleges and universities thrive!

Previous college-level experience can help students stand out among their peers

Concurrent enrollment is optional, and the reality is that not all students will choose this option. In fact, most of them do not, making it a clear way to remain competitive when you are turning in your college applications.

Any student who has concurrent enrollment classes on their application is naturally going to stand out when compared to a student who does not. This can sometimes be the deciding factor if colleges are comparing two applications.

Of course, it helps to consider what you are bringing to the table here. Students with more concurrent enrollment courses are likely to stand out against other students who only have one on their application.

Students who enter with college credit can advance faster and get more out of available programs

Another reason that these courses can make applicants strong candidates for colleges and universities is the simple fact that these students already have a head start, and this means that they can get more out of their programs. Concurrent enrollment classes can help students lock down necessary credits for their degree programs, allowing them to explore more in-depth and higher-level courses sooner. Doing so can help students get the most out of their time in a program without spending any extra money!

Taking concurrent enrollment classes shows effective budgeting practices

For many new students, entering college is the start of several key changes. Students learn how to manage their own time, be responsible for themselves and their work, and, in the majority of cases, learn about budgeting!

Learning how to manage a budget as a fresh college student is necessary, but it can be distracting. One of the main reasons that students choose concurrent enrollment classes is because it allows them to gain college credit without paying high college prices, which is a very smart tactic!

Being financially responsible isn’t always easy for college students, but it can help students demonstrate responsibility and critical thinking to potential colleges.

Start college early with Concurrent Enrollment–and impress your dream school!

High school classes can help you to learn and grow, and concurrent enrollment classes offer those same opportunities and more. If you are wondering how to fill out your college applications, these college-level courses are an absolutely wonderful way to start!

As you consider participating in these classes, be sure to choose options that you are passionate about. When you pick classes you love, you are more likely to perform your absolute best and impress the colleges and universities that you apply for.

To learn more, connect with our College Credit in High School staff today!