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Is it worth it to graduate high school with your AA degree?

I am a sophomore in high school, and I am curious if taking so many college classes is a good option for me.

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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Noah! As someone who met high school requirements with college classes (not to the level of an AA degree but a good amount) I would say it depends on your personal goals and schedule. One point to consider is the workload, if you've been taking or were planning on taking AP courses, I would say that the difficulty level will be similar to that (or at least it was for my high school vs my local community college). If you're already having a hard time with your coursework this will be a jump so that should be considered. You should also consider what your plans are for after high school, if you want to go to a four year college at the least you'll be able to transfer those courses into general credits, and at the most you'll be able to count them towards your gen ed requirements, which can be a great benefit. For me, I was allowed to take community college classes at a discount to it save me money with transferring those credits in when I started college, which then gave me preference when picking courses in college (for certain colleges it can be competitive to get into certain classes). Overall I would say the biggest considerations should be can you accommodate the large workload with your schedule, and would the hard work be worth it for your post high school plans.

Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:

Consider increased workload
Consider how you will use the benefits you will receive from this program
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Cung’s Answer

If you're confident that you can handle the workload of multiple college-level classes without feeling swamped, then I'd definitely encourage you to take the plunge. By taking this step, you're essentially fast-tracking your education and setting yourself up for success in the college of your dreams after high school. Just ensure that all the college courses you're taking are accredited and can be transferred to the college you plan to attend later on.

If you're starting at a 2-year community college, you'll be awarded an Associate degree. However, I would recommend aiming for a Bachelor's degree. You can always complete your Associate degree first and then move on to a Bachelor's degree at a 4-year college in your vicinity.

Many community colleges have established partnerships with 4-year colleges in the area, allowing students to complete their Associate degree first and then transfer to their chosen college to complete their Bachelor's degree.

As you embark on this journey, remember to work hard but also make time for fun and relaxation. This balance is essential to prevent burnout and ensure a well-rounded school life. And always remember, your high school and college years could very well be the best times of your life. So, make the most of them!
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Keri’s Answer

Hi Noah... Great question! The benefit of taking college courses while in HS is that it will lessen the number of courses you need to complete in college. Typically you complete "general" course that are required for most college degrees, then you focus on completing your major courses while enrolled in college. I think that it's great to complete your general college courses while in high school to lessen your college costs.
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Susan’s Answer

Hi Noah - the benefit from taking college courses in high school is that it saves you money in college. You do not have to take those classes/courses in college, depending on the college you attend. You should be able to work with your guidance counselor or BRACE advisor, to see what colleges accept the college level classes from your high school. Some colleges have requirements, such as you must achieve a C or higher to get credit for that course.

As a reminder since these are college level classes - they will most likely be more time consuming. However, they can save you money in the long run.
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Glenn’s Answer

Hi Noah,

You know, if you can pull this off without feeling overwhelmed and while maintaining a healthy balance with your other high school activities - like sports, clubs, volunteering, or the arts - it could end up saving you both time and money when you get to college.

Should you decide to head straight to a 4-year college or university after high school, it would give you the chance to dive into your chosen field of study sooner, without having to worry about those initial general courses.

And if you're still unsure about what you want to study in college, earning your AA degree could increase the possibility of taking a gap year. You could work or intern during this time, allowing you to explore your options and gain a clearer understanding of your future educational and career path. Plus, you wouldn't feel like you're falling behind your classmates.

Wishing you all the best!

Glenn
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Jason’s Answer

If your school offers you the opportunity to graduate with an AA that is great. I would for sure pursue that opportunity. Colleges definitely look at how rigorous your course work has been prior to acceptance. So it helps a lot.
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