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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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2 answers
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.
Tony Roig
Volunteer
24
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