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Kloie
Student
The Colony, Texas
7
Questions
Updated
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What should I expect from the collegiate academy?
there’s this new thing that my high school is developing called “The Collegiate Academy.” I was just wondering if anyone knows what it is and what it focuses on. Every time they try and explain it to me I get so lost. 😞 so if anyone can let me know what it’s about I would greatly appreciate it.
2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Ohhh Kloie, what’s with the 😞 face?! Come on!🥺🙌
Okay, so you’re hearing about this Collegiate Academy thing at your school, and everyone keeps explaining it in a way that makes your brain go ???!?? 😱..... I GOT YOU. Let’s make this super clear, fun, and easy to understand, like I am taking a snack. Hope you get a snack too at the end!
So… what even IS the Collegiate Academy? 🤔 Right?
Basically, it’s like a two-for-one special on school. You’re in high school, but at the same time, you’re earning college credits. If you complete the program, you don’t just graduate with a high school diploma—you also walk away with an Associate’s Degree, which is a fancy way of saying you already finished two years of college before you even step foot on a university campus.
Some schools have you take these classes at your high school with special teachers, while others send you to an actual college campus for classes. Either way, it’s like a fast pass through the first two years of college, but for free.
Okay, sounds kinda cool… but what’s the catch?
Ohhh buddy, there’s a LOT to think about before signing up. Let’s hit the big questions you’re probably wondering because you will be wondering! 👀
Will I still have a normal high school experience?
Ehh… kind of, but not really. Since you’ll be taking college classes, you might have less time for things like clubs, sports, school dances, and just chilling with your friends. A lot of your time will be spent on harder coursework, which means stress levels = 🆙.
If you love high school vibes (football games, prom, random nonsense in the cafeteria), then this program might make you feel like you’re missing out.
Will I still get my high school diploma? 🥺
Yes! You’ll still graduate like normal, but you’ll also have an Associate’s Degree on top of it. So no worries there—you’re not skipping high school entirely.
Do I get to pick what I study? 🤔... Okay maybe worry about his Lil! 🤪
Answer is... Not really. Most Collegiate Academy programs offer degrees in general fields, like Liberal Arts or General Studies. That means if you’re dreaming of being, let’s say, an engineer, a doctor, or a lawyer, these credits might not even count toward your major later, or they actually may, because most universities and majors love extra background work that can help through, BUT then again some don't.
So basically, you could spend two years working hard for a degree that doesn’t even fit your career goals. 😏 But it is a degree you get during high school like a free one just needing harder work and dedication! 🫣
What if I start the program and realize I hate it? Can I drop out? 👀 Oh nooo... Okay no freaking out like I am. 😏
So, Yesss you can, BUT… schools all have different rules about this. Some might let you switch back to regular high school classes, but others might make you stick with it for at least the semester. Definitely ask your school before committing, just in case.
Is this program actually worth it? 🤔 Hmmm, huuuuuh.... 😱...
Alright, real talk. The only huge benefit of Collegiate Academy is that you don’t have to pay tuition for two years of college. That’s a LOT of money saved, and if your future major lines up with what the program offers, it could be a smart move.
BUT, if the program locks you into a degree that doesn’t match your career, or if you’d rather have a traditional high school AND college experience, then dual enrollment (taking a few college classes while still being a regular high schooler) might be a better choice.
So, yeah you are wondering if.... Should you do it?
If you love the idea of finishing college faster, saving money, and don’t care too much about missing high school events—this program could be amazing for you!
But, If you’re unsure of your future career, want a full high school experience, or want to study something specific in college—maybe skip it or look into dual enrollment instead.
My advice? Well, thanks for asking😎! Uhum.....😶🌫️
✨ TALK TO YOUR COUNSELOR & PARENTS – Ask them about your specific school’s rules and what degree you’d be earning.
✨ ASK YOURSELF – Do you actually WANT to rush through high school and college, or do you want to enjoy both at a normal pace?
✨ EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS – Dual enrollment might give you the best of both worlds: college credit + fun high school life.
You got this, Kloie! Don’t stress too much. No matter what you pick, you’re gonna do amazing! 💖🤗
Okay, so you’re hearing about this Collegiate Academy thing at your school, and everyone keeps explaining it in a way that makes your brain go ???!?? 😱..... I GOT YOU. Let’s make this super clear, fun, and easy to understand, like I am taking a snack. Hope you get a snack too at the end!
So… what even IS the Collegiate Academy? 🤔 Right?
Basically, it’s like a two-for-one special on school. You’re in high school, but at the same time, you’re earning college credits. If you complete the program, you don’t just graduate with a high school diploma—you also walk away with an Associate’s Degree, which is a fancy way of saying you already finished two years of college before you even step foot on a university campus.
Some schools have you take these classes at your high school with special teachers, while others send you to an actual college campus for classes. Either way, it’s like a fast pass through the first two years of college, but for free.
Okay, sounds kinda cool… but what’s the catch?
Ohhh buddy, there’s a LOT to think about before signing up. Let’s hit the big questions you’re probably wondering because you will be wondering! 👀
Will I still have a normal high school experience?
Ehh… kind of, but not really. Since you’ll be taking college classes, you might have less time for things like clubs, sports, school dances, and just chilling with your friends. A lot of your time will be spent on harder coursework, which means stress levels = 🆙.
If you love high school vibes (football games, prom, random nonsense in the cafeteria), then this program might make you feel like you’re missing out.
Will I still get my high school diploma? 🥺
Yes! You’ll still graduate like normal, but you’ll also have an Associate’s Degree on top of it. So no worries there—you’re not skipping high school entirely.
Do I get to pick what I study? 🤔... Okay maybe worry about his Lil! 🤪
Answer is... Not really. Most Collegiate Academy programs offer degrees in general fields, like Liberal Arts or General Studies. That means if you’re dreaming of being, let’s say, an engineer, a doctor, or a lawyer, these credits might not even count toward your major later, or they actually may, because most universities and majors love extra background work that can help through, BUT then again some don't.
So basically, you could spend two years working hard for a degree that doesn’t even fit your career goals. 😏 But it is a degree you get during high school like a free one just needing harder work and dedication! 🫣
What if I start the program and realize I hate it? Can I drop out? 👀 Oh nooo... Okay no freaking out like I am. 😏
So, Yesss you can, BUT… schools all have different rules about this. Some might let you switch back to regular high school classes, but others might make you stick with it for at least the semester. Definitely ask your school before committing, just in case.
Is this program actually worth it? 🤔 Hmmm, huuuuuh.... 😱...
Alright, real talk. The only huge benefit of Collegiate Academy is that you don’t have to pay tuition for two years of college. That’s a LOT of money saved, and if your future major lines up with what the program offers, it could be a smart move.
BUT, if the program locks you into a degree that doesn’t match your career, or if you’d rather have a traditional high school AND college experience, then dual enrollment (taking a few college classes while still being a regular high schooler) might be a better choice.
So, yeah you are wondering if.... Should you do it?
If you love the idea of finishing college faster, saving money, and don’t care too much about missing high school events—this program could be amazing for you!
But, If you’re unsure of your future career, want a full high school experience, or want to study something specific in college—maybe skip it or look into dual enrollment instead.
My advice? Well, thanks for asking😎! Uhum.....😶🌫️
✨ TALK TO YOUR COUNSELOR & PARENTS – Ask them about your specific school’s rules and what degree you’d be earning.
✨ ASK YOURSELF – Do you actually WANT to rush through high school and college, or do you want to enjoy both at a normal pace?
✨ EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS – Dual enrollment might give you the best of both worlds: college credit + fun high school life.
You got this, Kloie! Don’t stress too much. No matter what you pick, you’re gonna do amazing! 💖🤗
Dr. H, you just made this 100x easier to get. It was like a fun crash course instead of a brain meltdown. You’re a legend!
Cheeky
Loved reading this, thanks!
Choo
Thanks this really helped me a lot.☺️
Kloie
Ayy, 😎 that’s what I’m here for! Turning brain meltdowns into lightbulb moments. Glad it clicked for you! Happy you enjoyed it guys! 🤗
Dr H
Aww Kloie, I'm sooo glad it helped!! ☺️ Remember, life is like a pizza—sometimes it's cheesy, sometimes it's crusty, but with the right advice... you ALWAYS get a delicious slice!! 🍕✨ Keep going, with blessings along your way! 🙌
Dr H
Michelle M.
Actress
2298
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kloie !
Yes, I think "the Collegiate Academy" is a fairly new Program that high schools across the U.S. are starting to offer, but I would discuss this with your parents before you commit to this program. There may be better programs you can do so I will explain it to you. You should verify the information with your school before making any decisions. Also look on your High School's website to see if they have information about it there.
So, the "Collegiate Academy" can simply be understood as this: you obtain your Associates Degree while you are in High School in your Junior and Senior year without going to college. Some schools require the students to take the courses at their high school and some schools let students take the courses on a college campus. You'd have to ask your school administrators which type they will be implementing - all courses at your high school or on a college campus.
Experience has me advising you that this is something you may want to consider not doing. Point blank, the only benefit of it is that you wouldn't have to pay for tuition for two years of college, but that is not what education and college are about. You deserve the absolute highest consideration and quality in a college education and to take a substitute will slight you from the social, cultural experiences and involvement and opportunities that a college education can provide, especially if your school implements the all classes in the high school requirement.
What I would advise instead is that you ask your guidance counselor about dual enrollment for which you can take a couple of college courses on a campus in addition to your high school classes for your junior and senior year. The Collegiate Academy strips away your whole junior and senior year of high school. Four years of college is not so treacherous that programs such as this are needed. Since the only "benefit" is that you don't pay tuition for your first two years of college, there are ways to pay for college after High School through Federal Student Financial Aid, work study, scholarships and grants. You deserve a full high school experience and a full college experience from beginning to end.
Find out what degrees they are offering. If it is Liberal Arts, do not do it. That is not a targeted degree. Also, are they really college courses or are they diluted courses because 16 and 17 year olds with 2 years of high school are taking them. Yes. I am not actually thinking this program is beneficial. It's modifying education and you deserve better than that. That's just my perspective based on life experience.
If your parents own a home they are paying school taxes (I'm not sure how it is in Florida because there's no taxes for some things there) but if they are paying school taxes, your parents are getting slighted by students enrolling in this program. If you rent, they're not paying school tax. This can be deep when analyzing it.
Some questions you can ask your school are: What happens if I decide this program is not for me and it's in the middle of a semester ? Do I get to re-enroll in my high school classes ? When I receive my Associates Degree do I also get to have a High School Diploma even though I attended two years of high school freshman and sophomore year ? How will I know that I will be accepted at a college if I do not get the High School Diploma and just the Associates Degree ? Do I get to pick my chosen Major or if not, what Majors must I choose from ?
Well, I guess you can tell that you may get some positive advice for this program but just let my perspective be food for thought. Many things sound great and easy peasy on the surface, but I do not see this being a benefit to education or to students. You deserve the best experience in both high school as well as college.
Do go over this with your guidance counselor and really think about it and talk it out with your parents, too. It's okay to do dual enrollment taking a couple of classes at college during your junior and senior year and it is highly recommended to get a well-deserved full college experience after high school. I wish you well in all you do and any decision you make !
Yes, I think "the Collegiate Academy" is a fairly new Program that high schools across the U.S. are starting to offer, but I would discuss this with your parents before you commit to this program. There may be better programs you can do so I will explain it to you. You should verify the information with your school before making any decisions. Also look on your High School's website to see if they have information about it there.
So, the "Collegiate Academy" can simply be understood as this: you obtain your Associates Degree while you are in High School in your Junior and Senior year without going to college. Some schools require the students to take the courses at their high school and some schools let students take the courses on a college campus. You'd have to ask your school administrators which type they will be implementing - all courses at your high school or on a college campus.
Experience has me advising you that this is something you may want to consider not doing. Point blank, the only benefit of it is that you wouldn't have to pay for tuition for two years of college, but that is not what education and college are about. You deserve the absolute highest consideration and quality in a college education and to take a substitute will slight you from the social, cultural experiences and involvement and opportunities that a college education can provide, especially if your school implements the all classes in the high school requirement.
What I would advise instead is that you ask your guidance counselor about dual enrollment for which you can take a couple of college courses on a campus in addition to your high school classes for your junior and senior year. The Collegiate Academy strips away your whole junior and senior year of high school. Four years of college is not so treacherous that programs such as this are needed. Since the only "benefit" is that you don't pay tuition for your first two years of college, there are ways to pay for college after High School through Federal Student Financial Aid, work study, scholarships and grants. You deserve a full high school experience and a full college experience from beginning to end.
Find out what degrees they are offering. If it is Liberal Arts, do not do it. That is not a targeted degree. Also, are they really college courses or are they diluted courses because 16 and 17 year olds with 2 years of high school are taking them. Yes. I am not actually thinking this program is beneficial. It's modifying education and you deserve better than that. That's just my perspective based on life experience.
If your parents own a home they are paying school taxes (I'm not sure how it is in Florida because there's no taxes for some things there) but if they are paying school taxes, your parents are getting slighted by students enrolling in this program. If you rent, they're not paying school tax. This can be deep when analyzing it.
Some questions you can ask your school are: What happens if I decide this program is not for me and it's in the middle of a semester ? Do I get to re-enroll in my high school classes ? When I receive my Associates Degree do I also get to have a High School Diploma even though I attended two years of high school freshman and sophomore year ? How will I know that I will be accepted at a college if I do not get the High School Diploma and just the Associates Degree ? Do I get to pick my chosen Major or if not, what Majors must I choose from ?
Well, I guess you can tell that you may get some positive advice for this program but just let my perspective be food for thought. Many things sound great and easy peasy on the surface, but I do not see this being a benefit to education or to students. You deserve the best experience in both high school as well as college.
Do go over this with your guidance counselor and really think about it and talk it out with your parents, too. It's okay to do dual enrollment taking a couple of classes at college during your junior and senior year and it is highly recommended to get a well-deserved full college experience after high school. I wish you well in all you do and any decision you make !
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