7 answers
Edosa
Student
Cedar Hill, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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Should I get my associates degree while in highschool?
I’m a freshman in highschool. My school has an early college program where you can take college classes and earn an associate’s degree. But I have no idea if it’s right for me. What would my highschool and college career look like if I got my associates in highschool? I heard that I’ve your looking to get into an IVY league or top college, the degree won’t help much. You can take some AP’s while doing college courses, but I believe by Senior year, where you’ll be taking 4 college courses, there will be no room for AP’s. Also, I heard that if you get your associates degree, you will only spend 2 years in college. I’m not sure how true that it. For me, I will am interested in biomedical engineering (this I’m not even confident in) The only thing is I’m not too sure of my future career… I could change my mind at any second. If I choose to get my associates degree in high school, my life will rush through when I’m not even sure about anything. What will I do if I want to change my mind?:( I’m not sure what I’m gonna do. I want to succeed. Like my older siblings, I want to get into good colleges with scholarships. They had a different high school experience and their school is much different from the school I chose to go to. I don’t know anything about any of this and no one is helping me!!! :,( I just really want to succeed, despite not being too sure about my future career…. I just hope everything works out. I’m supposed to make my choice by the end of this week. What do I do? Should I just go through highschool doing AP’s/Honors or should I try to get my associates degree? And if I were to get my associate’s degree in highschool, what would my future look like?
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7 answers
NANCY W CAMPBELL
Adjunct Faculty | Education Consultant | College and Career Success Specialist | Education Equity Advocate
18
Answers
Jenkintown, PA
Updated
NANCY W’s Answer
Edosa - it is good for you to be looking forward to college as a high school freshman. Even though you had to make your decision some time ago, allow me to add my perspective as a college access and success advocate:
- Having worked with high school students and their career choices for al most 30 years, I would encourage you to still consider starting out at a community college -or junior college, if that's how they're referred to in Texas. The advantage of taking this route are several, including: a "softer" transition from the performance expectations of high school to the performance expectations of college; if you're GPA is not where you would like it to be for your considered major, a community college allow you to improve that at a much lower cost; since most universities do not require you to declare your major until your sophomore year, the first 2 years of a 4-year institution pretty much match the 2 years of a community college; many universities have articulation agreements with community colleges nearby, so the transfer of credits would be smoother.
- Is there any particularly reason you are focused on ivy league institutions? If you take a deeper dive into where the best biomed engineering programs are, you might be surprised that they are not always at ivy league schools.
- Realize that you don't have to have it all figured out right now. You know you need to be solid is science and math and focus your energy their as you figure out the rest. Talk to people in the field; you may be surprised that some of their journeys to success started out very differently than you might think.
- Above all, Don't Panic; you've got time.
- Having worked with high school students and their career choices for al most 30 years, I would encourage you to still consider starting out at a community college -or junior college, if that's how they're referred to in Texas. The advantage of taking this route are several, including: a "softer" transition from the performance expectations of high school to the performance expectations of college; if you're GPA is not where you would like it to be for your considered major, a community college allow you to improve that at a much lower cost; since most universities do not require you to declare your major until your sophomore year, the first 2 years of a 4-year institution pretty much match the 2 years of a community college; many universities have articulation agreements with community colleges nearby, so the transfer of credits would be smoother.
- Is there any particularly reason you are focused on ivy league institutions? If you take a deeper dive into where the best biomed engineering programs are, you might be surprised that they are not always at ivy league schools.
- Realize that you don't have to have it all figured out right now. You know you need to be solid is science and math and focus your energy their as you figure out the rest. Talk to people in the field; you may be surprised that some of their journeys to success started out very differently than you might think.
- Above all, Don't Panic; you've got time.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
265
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Associate of Science only shortens your years in the tertiary education as you take direct entry or advanced candidate admission route, and spend two years instead of three or four or five depending on university.
Taking four years route from year one, or taking two years Associate degree, then two years bachelor's degree is equal to the same.
Your quality of education is what distinguishes you from your peers.
Taking four years route from year one, or taking two years Associate degree, then two years bachelor's degree is equal to the same.
Your quality of education is what distinguishes you from your peers.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Edosa, interesting question. I wish I was as driven and smart as you at your age. I did not go to an Ivy League school but I did attempt to get my associates while in high school.
I say attempt because the program started while I was in school and therefore I couldn’t actually finish the course. I did take some AP and then some classes towards my associates.
It is true this reduces your time in college, but that is the point most of the time. You get these classes knocked out to speed up college so you can get into the workforce. It appears this would work in your favor regardless.
It saves money because you spend less on classes, you earn more because you start sooner, and you’re ahead of your peers because you get a new set of peers. If you have the right degree, you don’t need in school networking, you need to get hired on a firm to start working.
To me this is a done deal, get that associates. Now, it could be not all of your classes transfer to the university. And that is totally fine. You need to take a class like that anyway to finish high school anyway. It’s win win in my opinion.
I say attempt because the program started while I was in school and therefore I couldn’t actually finish the course. I did take some AP and then some classes towards my associates.
It is true this reduces your time in college, but that is the point most of the time. You get these classes knocked out to speed up college so you can get into the workforce. It appears this would work in your favor regardless.
It saves money because you spend less on classes, you earn more because you start sooner, and you’re ahead of your peers because you get a new set of peers. If you have the right degree, you don’t need in school networking, you need to get hired on a firm to start working.
To me this is a done deal, get that associates. Now, it could be not all of your classes transfer to the university. And that is totally fine. You need to take a class like that anyway to finish high school anyway. It’s win win in my opinion.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
If you can participate in the program without overexerting yourself, it could be an amazing thing to have your Associates degree. I took just a couple junior college classes while in high school and it was nice to have you before I started college.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Edosa!
## Evaluating Your Choices: High School Associate's Degree vs. AP/Honors
**Edosa, you're on the brink of a critical choice, and it's absolutely normal to feel a bit swamped.** It's admirable that you're contemplating your future at this stage, but bear in mind, it's perfectly fine not to know everything at this moment. Let's dissect your alternatives:
### High School Associate's Degree
**Advantages:**
* **Potential savings:** You might be able to finish a considerable part of your undergraduate studies at no cost.
* **Early start:** You'll step into college with a base of college-level study.
* **Fast-track degree completion:** You may finish college sooner.
**Disadvantages:**
* **Intense workload:** Juggling high school and college courses could be tough.
* **Limited AP/Honors options:** You may need to give up some AP or Honors classes.
* **Risk of burnout:** The fast-track pace could lead to academic exhaustion.
* **Credit transfer issues:** Not all college credits transfer smoothly, particularly to Ivy League or top-tier schools.
### AP/Honors Classes in High School
**Advantages:**
* **Solid foundation:** AP and Honors classes equip you academically for college.
* **Boost for college applications:** Good performance in these classes can uplift your college applications.
* **Flexibility:** You have the freedom to explore various subjects and interests.
**Disadvantages:**
* **Potential for heavier workload:** AP and Honors classes can be demanding.
* **No immediate college credits:** You won't receive college credits right away.
### Crucial Factors to Consider
* **Your passions and objectives:** What are your long-term aspirations?
* **Your academic prowess:** How well can you manage a heavy workload?
* **Your college dreams:** Do you have particular colleges in mind?
* **Your career goals:** Are you set on biomedical engineering or considering other fields?
**Chatting with your guidance counselor or a college advisor could be beneficial.** They can offer tailored advice based on your unique situation.
### Potential Routes to Take
1. **Sample both options:** Think about taking a blend of AP/Honors classes and a few college-level courses. This approach can offer you the best of both worlds.
2. **Postpone the decision:** You don't need to settle on a path immediately. You can reevaluate after your first year.
3. **Investigate colleges:** Research the credit transfer policies of your preferred colleges. Some might be more open to associate degrees than others.
**Keep in mind, there's no absolute right or wrong choice.** The ideal path is the one that resonates with your personal ambitions and capabilities.
**Are you interested in delving deeper into any of these options?** Or maybe you'd like to talk more about your career interests?
God Bless You!
JC.
## Evaluating Your Choices: High School Associate's Degree vs. AP/Honors
**Edosa, you're on the brink of a critical choice, and it's absolutely normal to feel a bit swamped.** It's admirable that you're contemplating your future at this stage, but bear in mind, it's perfectly fine not to know everything at this moment. Let's dissect your alternatives:
### High School Associate's Degree
**Advantages:**
* **Potential savings:** You might be able to finish a considerable part of your undergraduate studies at no cost.
* **Early start:** You'll step into college with a base of college-level study.
* **Fast-track degree completion:** You may finish college sooner.
**Disadvantages:**
* **Intense workload:** Juggling high school and college courses could be tough.
* **Limited AP/Honors options:** You may need to give up some AP or Honors classes.
* **Risk of burnout:** The fast-track pace could lead to academic exhaustion.
* **Credit transfer issues:** Not all college credits transfer smoothly, particularly to Ivy League or top-tier schools.
### AP/Honors Classes in High School
**Advantages:**
* **Solid foundation:** AP and Honors classes equip you academically for college.
* **Boost for college applications:** Good performance in these classes can uplift your college applications.
* **Flexibility:** You have the freedom to explore various subjects and interests.
**Disadvantages:**
* **Potential for heavier workload:** AP and Honors classes can be demanding.
* **No immediate college credits:** You won't receive college credits right away.
### Crucial Factors to Consider
* **Your passions and objectives:** What are your long-term aspirations?
* **Your academic prowess:** How well can you manage a heavy workload?
* **Your college dreams:** Do you have particular colleges in mind?
* **Your career goals:** Are you set on biomedical engineering or considering other fields?
**Chatting with your guidance counselor or a college advisor could be beneficial.** They can offer tailored advice based on your unique situation.
### Potential Routes to Take
1. **Sample both options:** Think about taking a blend of AP/Honors classes and a few college-level courses. This approach can offer you the best of both worlds.
2. **Postpone the decision:** You don't need to settle on a path immediately. You can reevaluate after your first year.
3. **Investigate colleges:** Research the credit transfer policies of your preferred colleges. Some might be more open to associate degrees than others.
**Keep in mind, there's no absolute right or wrong choice.** The ideal path is the one that resonates with your personal ambitions and capabilities.
**Are you interested in delving deeper into any of these options?** Or maybe you'd like to talk more about your career interests?
God Bless You!
JC.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Edosa !
Thanks for posing your current concern to us. I would like to share some advice with you to hopefully give you ideas to consider.
After reading your information, my conclusion is that the best thing for you to do is stay with high school, take the AP classes you want to take and not go for a college degree at the same time you're in high school. I say this because AP classes will be good for your GPA and future college admissions, you do not have a major picked out - which is fine, and doing high school at the same time as college in tremendously way, way too much work ! Wow. In my view, it is NEVER a good idea to jam so much work or take a short cut or try to speed an education up. You will have the relaxation and time to strive for good grades if you just finish high school and then apply to colleges. I highly advise this. Your life will be chaotic if you attempt to obtain an Associates Degree from college at the same time you are a regular student in high school wanting to achieve high Honor grades. Plus, you are undecided about a major and it's not worth randomly choosing one just to get an Associates Degree when, like you've said, you may change your mind about a career path.
Regarding starting at a community college for an A.A. or starting at a University for your freshman year continuing, I get the drift that you really do want to begin at a University and that is a wise choice. I support your choice because there are technicalities with an Associates degree and transferring it to a University. Although this path is very frequently done successfully, each college and University has very specific and different requirements for their required General Education classes that must be taken. An issue can arise if you obtain your A.A. in Texas and then have an opportunity to study in a different state or different region of Texas and the University doesn't recognize your General Education requirements that you took for your A.A. at a community college. So on this technicality alone, your education may run smoother by starting college at a University of your choice, attending it for the four years straight through to obtain your Bachelors Degree. Especially since you've stated that you are undecided, it is best to ace high school first and then you can enter a four year university. You do have time to figure out a major, so there's no need to rush things.
So, by the end of the week as you've mentioned, go with your instincts and stick with your good plan to do high school only and take AP and Honors classes. Think about what groups, clubs or extracurriculars you may also want to be involved in. Make the most of your high school years and enjoy it. There's a time for high school and there's a time for college. Consider this reassurance.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best with the plans you have chosen for your high school experience. It is a special time that should be savored, not bombarded or forced. Try to relax and give your decision and you have every right to feel confident with it because it is a very logical and reasonable decision. Have an awesome day !
Thanks for posing your current concern to us. I would like to share some advice with you to hopefully give you ideas to consider.
After reading your information, my conclusion is that the best thing for you to do is stay with high school, take the AP classes you want to take and not go for a college degree at the same time you're in high school. I say this because AP classes will be good for your GPA and future college admissions, you do not have a major picked out - which is fine, and doing high school at the same time as college in tremendously way, way too much work ! Wow. In my view, it is NEVER a good idea to jam so much work or take a short cut or try to speed an education up. You will have the relaxation and time to strive for good grades if you just finish high school and then apply to colleges. I highly advise this. Your life will be chaotic if you attempt to obtain an Associates Degree from college at the same time you are a regular student in high school wanting to achieve high Honor grades. Plus, you are undecided about a major and it's not worth randomly choosing one just to get an Associates Degree when, like you've said, you may change your mind about a career path.
Regarding starting at a community college for an A.A. or starting at a University for your freshman year continuing, I get the drift that you really do want to begin at a University and that is a wise choice. I support your choice because there are technicalities with an Associates degree and transferring it to a University. Although this path is very frequently done successfully, each college and University has very specific and different requirements for their required General Education classes that must be taken. An issue can arise if you obtain your A.A. in Texas and then have an opportunity to study in a different state or different region of Texas and the University doesn't recognize your General Education requirements that you took for your A.A. at a community college. So on this technicality alone, your education may run smoother by starting college at a University of your choice, attending it for the four years straight through to obtain your Bachelors Degree. Especially since you've stated that you are undecided, it is best to ace high school first and then you can enter a four year university. You do have time to figure out a major, so there's no need to rush things.
So, by the end of the week as you've mentioned, go with your instincts and stick with your good plan to do high school only and take AP and Honors classes. Think about what groups, clubs or extracurriculars you may also want to be involved in. Make the most of your high school years and enjoy it. There's a time for high school and there's a time for college. Consider this reassurance.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best with the plans you have chosen for your high school experience. It is a special time that should be savored, not bombarded or forced. Try to relax and give your decision and you have every right to feel confident with it because it is a very logical and reasonable decision. Have an awesome day !
I appreciate your support, Michelle
Edosa
You are very welcome, Edosa !
Michelle M.
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Edosa,
I understand having to decide whether to complete your A.A. while in high school can be a really stressful decision and that you may feel overwhelmed with all the uncertainties looming ahead. However, the good news is that since you just started as a freshman in high school, there really is no expectation to have your whole career path figured out today.
In Florida (where I'm from), high school students have the option to participate in the "dual-enrollment program" where they can earn college credits from local community colleges while in high school, and those credits are transferable to our public universities. Since you'll have to make a decision on whether to pursue the early college program by end of this week, I would encourage you to find out if your program offers any direct path for you to transfer to a 4-year state university in Texas. If you do decide to remain in Texas for college, this program could potentially save you time and money as you will likely only have to do 2+ years at a university, depending on your major's requirement.
However, if you think you might not want to remain in Texas, you are probably better off taking AP classes and doing very well in them to avoid the hassle of transferring your credits to an out-of-state university.
Lastly, I wouldn't worry so much about how an associate's degree might hurt your chances at getting a good education. If you do decide to focus on high school classes now, you will have a chance during your junior or senior year to decide whether you want to get an associate's degree from a community college first or enroll at a 4-year university right after high school. You will likely be taking General Education classes during your first two years of college anyway, so you probably won't even have to declare a major right at the outset.
All that is to say, whatever your decision is this week does not dictate your future success. Whichever path you choose, just be sure to focus on getting good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and take on leadership roles.
I understand having to decide whether to complete your A.A. while in high school can be a really stressful decision and that you may feel overwhelmed with all the uncertainties looming ahead. However, the good news is that since you just started as a freshman in high school, there really is no expectation to have your whole career path figured out today.
In Florida (where I'm from), high school students have the option to participate in the "dual-enrollment program" where they can earn college credits from local community colleges while in high school, and those credits are transferable to our public universities. Since you'll have to make a decision on whether to pursue the early college program by end of this week, I would encourage you to find out if your program offers any direct path for you to transfer to a 4-year state university in Texas. If you do decide to remain in Texas for college, this program could potentially save you time and money as you will likely only have to do 2+ years at a university, depending on your major's requirement.
However, if you think you might not want to remain in Texas, you are probably better off taking AP classes and doing very well in them to avoid the hassle of transferring your credits to an out-of-state university.
Lastly, I wouldn't worry so much about how an associate's degree might hurt your chances at getting a good education. If you do decide to focus on high school classes now, you will have a chance during your junior or senior year to decide whether you want to get an associate's degree from a community college first or enroll at a 4-year university right after high school. You will likely be taking General Education classes during your first two years of college anyway, so you probably won't even have to declare a major right at the outset.
All that is to say, whatever your decision is this week does not dictate your future success. Whichever path you choose, just be sure to focus on getting good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and take on leadership roles.
Thanks for the help.
Edosa