The key to graduating college early is starting early.
Some people are turned away by community colleges. They have a bad reputation and a bad name.However, Community colleges are a great way of graduation a 4 year college early. When a student turns 16, they can take up to 11 units at a community college, with a simple parent signature and approval from a college counselor. The great thing about these 11 units is that they count double. Not only will you receive real college credit, but if you pick and choose the correct classes, you will also receive 5 highschool units per class you take. For Example, in during my junir year, I took Intro to Economics and A political science course at a J.C. By doing so, I not only gained 6 college credit, but I didn’t have to take econ for history my senior year. For that matter, I only had three classes my senior year, English, T.A, and Cooking.
It is important to check with you high school counselor to see what classes you might be able to take at the community college to also receive highs school credit. But more importantly, if will be gaining credits toward you B.A. By the time I graduated high school, I had already finished 1 full year of College credit.
Another great thing about taking college courses while in high school is that you will only have to pay for 1 unit of class. That means you pay for 1 unit, and can take up to 11 every semester. Once you get into a 4 year college, you will understand how much money you actually have saved. For example, at Moorpark College in Simi Valley, one unit costs roughly $24. One unit at UC Irvine , where I graduated, is closed to $200. The savings here are phenomenal.
Some people might baulk at the idea of spending a year or two at a community college. They may have the grades to get into a four year college straight out of high school. What should they do? Exactly the same as everyone else. Taking classes early gives you a running start toward your degree. If planned correctly, you can obtain your B.A in 3 years.
Start taking college classes early. Start taking one or two evening classes your every semester your sophomore year. Most community colleges offer a winter program. If you can, take one class. The classes usually run anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. That means you can earn the equivalent of one semester of high school and one semester of college units in 4 to 6 weeks. |
