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Associate degree during high school time?
If an high school kid wanted to complete under grad in 2 years.. The kid can take associate degree from community college?, so the kid can complete under grad in two years. Also my kid school offers 4 courses in dual enrollment only. Otherwise kid can take more dual enrollment courses. to ask this doubt whom to contact in high school to address this question? and how they will help the kid to join associate degree? to have some credits in under graduation. Being an immigrant family we cant afford 4 years degree in in UCs.
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Kyla’s Answer
As a nursing student who's been through the college process, I definitley recommend looking into programs that let high school students graduate with BOTH their high school diploma and their associate degree.
Just taking a few college courses in high school is helpful, but it doesn't always save as much time or money in the long run. If your child only takes a few dual enrollment classes, they'll still have to finish the rest of the associate degree after high school (those early courses just meann they won't need to repeat them).
I'd suggest reaching out to the high school counselor first, and asking if your child can take more dual enrollment courses than what the school currently offers, especially through a nearby community college.
Also, it might help to look into nearby schools with early college high school programs. Where I live, we had Judson High School, which let students take a few early college courses, but then there was JECA (Judson Early College Academy), which was more focused. At JECA, I think students spent their first two years (9th and 10th grade) doing mostly high school classes, and then the last two years (11th and 12th grade) were either fully or partially at Northeast Lakeview College taking actual college courses. Some students would spend half the day in high school and the other half at college (school bus transportation i believe was also provided by JECA to and from the college). Programs like this are a great option for families trying to save on college costs, especially if you can't afford a full four years at a UC or similar university.
Just taking a few college courses in high school is helpful, but it doesn't always save as much time or money in the long run. If your child only takes a few dual enrollment classes, they'll still have to finish the rest of the associate degree after high school (those early courses just meann they won't need to repeat them).
I'd suggest reaching out to the high school counselor first, and asking if your child can take more dual enrollment courses than what the school currently offers, especially through a nearby community college.
Also, it might help to look into nearby schools with early college high school programs. Where I live, we had Judson High School, which let students take a few early college courses, but then there was JECA (Judson Early College Academy), which was more focused. At JECA, I think students spent their first two years (9th and 10th grade) doing mostly high school classes, and then the last two years (11th and 12th grade) were either fully or partially at Northeast Lakeview College taking actual college courses. Some students would spend half the day in high school and the other half at college (school bus transportation i believe was also provided by JECA to and from the college). Programs like this are a great option for families trying to save on college costs, especially if you can't afford a full four years at a UC or similar university.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Udaya
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello! Many high schools offer dual enrollment classes where students can earn college credit while still in high school. These classes are usually more challenging than regular high school courses. If your student is doing well in their current classes, this can be a fantastic way to get a head start on college and save on tuition. However, if your student is already overwhelmed with their current workload, it might be wise to wait before taking on college-level classes. Schools often reach out to students who are a good fit for dual enrollment, but if you haven't heard from them, talking to the guidance counselor is a great idea.
Have your student talk to their guidance counselor to see what dual enrollment classes their school offers
Karen recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for giving me advice.
Udaya
Patricia Bischoping
Program Manager - Procurement Business Process and Systems
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Patricia’s Answer
Hi Udaya,
Pursuing a two-year degree through an early college program while in high school is a fantastic opportunity. If your high school collaborates with a local community college, you can earn both high school and college credits at the same time. Often, you can attend these college classes right at your high school. I know a friend's son who did this, and he graduated with an AAS degree in May and will soon finish high school. He’s starting as a junior in college this August. It’s important to work closely with both your high school and community college counselors to ensure you're on the right track and taking the right classes.
Wishing you all the best as you work towards your goals!
Pursuing a two-year degree through an early college program while in high school is a fantastic opportunity. If your high school collaborates with a local community college, you can earn both high school and college credits at the same time. Often, you can attend these college classes right at your high school. I know a friend's son who did this, and he graduated with an AAS degree in May and will soon finish high school. He’s starting as a junior in college this August. It’s important to work closely with both your high school and community college counselors to ensure you're on the right track and taking the right classes.
Wishing you all the best as you work towards your goals!
Thanks for the advice.
Udaya
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Udaya !
I understand that your thoughts right now are based on thinking that you cannot afford college, however, for a Bachelors Degree, you can receive Federal Student Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants to cover the cost as you've indicated that your family is low income. Sometimes, a path may sound greatly easy and cost free, but those are not the important things about education. The quality and preparation for a career is the ultimate thing necessary for a bright future and you deserve the best. Many low income students attend college.
My perspective is to not do the Associates Degree while in High School because that will mean that you will not have 11th and 12th grade, yet get a high school diploma and how authentic is that ? It's all in how you look at it, however, even though the only benefit doing that is two years of free college, you will miss out on a lot of social, academic and experience development if you miss two years of high school at age 16 and 17, and jump into college at 16. Also consider that it won't be worth it if the college you get the Associates Degree at through simultaneous enrollment doesn't have the major that you need. It's not fair for you to be limited to their said majors for simultaneous enrollment students. You need to know what career you want and choose a degree that will prepare you for a career, not rush through school just because it's free when there is financial assistance available. College is not a race or a game and should be fully experienced step by step. You first really need to know what career you want or rushing through it for free will be a waste.
A full four year experience of high school will prepare you better for college. It's a matter of preparing yourself to be competitive with your peers in your field of work in the future and getting a fully beneficial academic experience. It's up to you. You can enroll after high school at a community college which is less expensive and you don't have to go to a UC, you can transfer with guaranteed transfer to California State University, Sacramento and both will offer you full financial assistance as well as many, many majors to choose from based on your career plan. Even if you go to a UC, you can obtain Federal Student Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships to cover the costs.
Be aware that in order to graduate from a UC or a CSU, a Writing Proficiency Exam is required. For the UC's each campus decides how they test for it but for CSU's it is an upper division Writing Proficiency Exam usually given on Saturdays in your Junior year. Also, to clarify, you do not complete "undergrad" in two years by getting your Associates while in high school - you get your Associates degree. You can then transfer to get your Bachelors Degree and the four years is considered undergrad school. Since you've asked, the person to ask about this and verify the information I have provided would be your High School Guidance Counselor. That person will know if you are ready for college level work at this time and answer any questions you may have. You can also feel welcome to return here for more advice.
Ultimately, you will have to become well informed and make the choice after consulting with your parents. It all depends on what you want, what career you intend to have and how important experience will be for the career you choose.
The more informed you are, the easier it will be to make a choice, but it really should be done with a focused career in mind. I hope this different perspective is something to think about and I wish you all the very best !
I understand that your thoughts right now are based on thinking that you cannot afford college, however, for a Bachelors Degree, you can receive Federal Student Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants to cover the cost as you've indicated that your family is low income. Sometimes, a path may sound greatly easy and cost free, but those are not the important things about education. The quality and preparation for a career is the ultimate thing necessary for a bright future and you deserve the best. Many low income students attend college.
My perspective is to not do the Associates Degree while in High School because that will mean that you will not have 11th and 12th grade, yet get a high school diploma and how authentic is that ? It's all in how you look at it, however, even though the only benefit doing that is two years of free college, you will miss out on a lot of social, academic and experience development if you miss two years of high school at age 16 and 17, and jump into college at 16. Also consider that it won't be worth it if the college you get the Associates Degree at through simultaneous enrollment doesn't have the major that you need. It's not fair for you to be limited to their said majors for simultaneous enrollment students. You need to know what career you want and choose a degree that will prepare you for a career, not rush through school just because it's free when there is financial assistance available. College is not a race or a game and should be fully experienced step by step. You first really need to know what career you want or rushing through it for free will be a waste.
A full four year experience of high school will prepare you better for college. It's a matter of preparing yourself to be competitive with your peers in your field of work in the future and getting a fully beneficial academic experience. It's up to you. You can enroll after high school at a community college which is less expensive and you don't have to go to a UC, you can transfer with guaranteed transfer to California State University, Sacramento and both will offer you full financial assistance as well as many, many majors to choose from based on your career plan. Even if you go to a UC, you can obtain Federal Student Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships to cover the costs.
Be aware that in order to graduate from a UC or a CSU, a Writing Proficiency Exam is required. For the UC's each campus decides how they test for it but for CSU's it is an upper division Writing Proficiency Exam usually given on Saturdays in your Junior year. Also, to clarify, you do not complete "undergrad" in two years by getting your Associates while in high school - you get your Associates degree. You can then transfer to get your Bachelors Degree and the four years is considered undergrad school. Since you've asked, the person to ask about this and verify the information I have provided would be your High School Guidance Counselor. That person will know if you are ready for college level work at this time and answer any questions you may have. You can also feel welcome to return here for more advice.
Ultimately, you will have to become well informed and make the choice after consulting with your parents. It all depends on what you want, what career you intend to have and how important experience will be for the career you choose.
The more informed you are, the easier it will be to make a choice, but it really should be done with a focused career in mind. I hope this different perspective is something to think about and I wish you all the very best !
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Udaya
You are very welcome for the advice !
Michelle M.
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Yes, a high school student can take an associate degree through a community college to help complete a bachelor's degree faster — sometimes in just two additional years after high school. Since your child’s school offers only four dual enrollment courses, they can still take more classes directly through a local community college, often outside school hours or in the summer.
To get started, you should contact the high school guidance counselor or college and career advisor. They can explain dual enrollment policies, help with community college enrollment, and advise on how credits will transfer to universities (especially UCs or CSUs). They may also help you connect with a community college advisor to plan for an associate degree that aligns with your child's interests and transfer goals. This path can save significant time and money, especially if cost is a concern.
To get started, you should contact the high school guidance counselor or college and career advisor. They can explain dual enrollment policies, help with community college enrollment, and advise on how credits will transfer to universities (especially UCs or CSUs). They may also help you connect with a community college advisor to plan for an associate degree that aligns with your child's interests and transfer goals. This path can save significant time and money, especially if cost is a concern.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Udaya