4 answers
Riley
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
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How does getting an AA degree in high school help in college for a STEM major ?
I am looking for what benefits I would receive out of getting my AA degree in high school.
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4 answers
Daniel Reed
Sr. Analyst
2
Answers
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
I firmly believe that any opportunity to gain extra education, particularly when it's funded by your high school, should be seized. Learning and excelling never caused any harm, even if the "arts" component doesn't exactly match your ambitions. You might be surprised to know that many of my peers hold degrees in fields that don't directly correlate with their profession. With this in mind, go ahead and chase that degree in the area that sparks your interest. If you happen to acquire additional knowledge along the way, take pride in that wisdom and never let a chance to learn slip by.
Tony Roig
Volunteer
91
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Riley,
Previous replies to your question addressed the benefits of an AA degree for a STEM major, but an AS degree would probably be better aligned since its courses are focused on science, technology, engineering and math subjects vs "Arts". The AS is not as flexible to complete and may not be available in your HS, and if not, maybe at least try to take more STEM type courses to better prepare you and give you credit at college.
Best wishes
Tony
Previous replies to your question addressed the benefits of an AA degree for a STEM major, but an AS degree would probably be better aligned since its courses are focused on science, technology, engineering and math subjects vs "Arts". The AS is not as flexible to complete and may not be available in your HS, and if not, maybe at least try to take more STEM type courses to better prepare you and give you credit at college.
Best wishes
Tony
Ashley Charouhas
Engineer
7
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Riley!
An AA degree earned in high school, can significantly benefit any major, especially a STEM major in college:
College Credit Transfer: Many colleges, especially public universities, accept AA credits, potentially allowing you to skip introductory courses in your major or related fields. This can save time and money on tuition. Taking the intro courses at a smaller junior college is helpful rather than at a large university, where these intro courses are often huge lectures with hundreds of students.
Higher-Level Courses: With introductory courses fulfilled, you can dive into more advanced, specialized coursework earlier in your college career.
Stronger Foundation: AA programs often cover core STEM concepts, providing a solid base for more challenging college-level material.
Competitive Advantage: Starting college with an AA demonstrates academic rigor and commitment, potentially making you a more competitive applicant for internships, research opportunities, and even scholarships.
Make sure you verify credit transfer policies with your target colleges beforehand. Some institutions have limitations on the number or types of credits they accept from dual enrollment programs.
Best of luck!
An AA degree earned in high school, can significantly benefit any major, especially a STEM major in college:
College Credit Transfer: Many colleges, especially public universities, accept AA credits, potentially allowing you to skip introductory courses in your major or related fields. This can save time and money on tuition. Taking the intro courses at a smaller junior college is helpful rather than at a large university, where these intro courses are often huge lectures with hundreds of students.
Higher-Level Courses: With introductory courses fulfilled, you can dive into more advanced, specialized coursework earlier in your college career.
Stronger Foundation: AA programs often cover core STEM concepts, providing a solid base for more challenging college-level material.
Competitive Advantage: Starting college with an AA demonstrates academic rigor and commitment, potentially making you a more competitive applicant for internships, research opportunities, and even scholarships.
Make sure you verify credit transfer policies with your target colleges beforehand. Some institutions have limitations on the number or types of credits they accept from dual enrollment programs.
Best of luck!
Martin Brooks
Procurement Manager
7
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in high school can provide several benefits for students planning to pursue a STEM major in college:
Cost Savings and Time Efficiency: Completing an AA degree means you enter college with two years of credits already completed. This can significantly reduce the time and money needed to earn your bachelor’s degree.
College Readiness: Taking college-level courses in high school can better prepare you for the academic rigor of a STEM major. You’ll develop strong study habits and time management skills.
Advanced Standing: With an AA degree, you can often skip general education requirements and dive straight into advanced courses related to your STEM major. This allows you to focus more on your major-specific courses earlier.
Demonstrated Commitment: Successfully earning an AA degree while in high school shows colleges that you are dedicated, capable of handling challenging coursework, and have strong time management skills.
Flexibility: Having an AA degree can provide more flexibility in your college schedule, allowing you to take on internships, research opportunities, or even double major.
However, it’s important to consider that balancing high school and college coursework can be demanding and might limit your time for extracurricular activities and social life. Additionally, some colleges may have specific requirements that your AA degree credits might not fully cover.
Cost Savings and Time Efficiency: Completing an AA degree means you enter college with two years of credits already completed. This can significantly reduce the time and money needed to earn your bachelor’s degree.
College Readiness: Taking college-level courses in high school can better prepare you for the academic rigor of a STEM major. You’ll develop strong study habits and time management skills.
Advanced Standing: With an AA degree, you can often skip general education requirements and dive straight into advanced courses related to your STEM major. This allows you to focus more on your major-specific courses earlier.
Demonstrated Commitment: Successfully earning an AA degree while in high school shows colleges that you are dedicated, capable of handling challenging coursework, and have strong time management skills.
Flexibility: Having an AA degree can provide more flexibility in your college schedule, allowing you to take on internships, research opportunities, or even double major.
However, it’s important to consider that balancing high school and college coursework can be demanding and might limit your time for extracurricular activities and social life. Additionally, some colleges may have specific requirements that your AA degree credits might not fully cover.