Student Loan Dodgers

Many high school students don’t realize that they can enroll and take classes at their local community college while they’re still in high school. This ability to dual enroll can save money and time, and can make the university admissions process much easier.

By taking one or two basic college level courses per semester, and one class during the summer during the junior and senior years of high school, prospective university students can eliminate a full year (or more) of university level classes. This strategy will offer two benefits.

First, students can fulfill general education requirements at their local community college at a much lower cost than they can if they wait to take similar courses at the university level. By taking one college course per semester, the academic load is easier to manage. Evening classes often meet just one night per week, leaving time for extra-curricular activities and regular high school homework.

Second, by accumulating college credits while still in high school, students can achieve “transfer student” status. This eliminates the need to compete with other incoming students for a spot in the freshman class. Universities can be more flexible about admissions to their sophomore and junior classes, since they typically don’t guarantee housing for transfer students. Universities may still apply on-campus housing requirements for non-commuter students who are not 18 years of age, so check with the universities you’re interested in before adopting this strategy.

If you’re already in a four-year institution, check out your community college options. If a two-year college is nearby or you plan to spend your summers at home, take courses at the community college over the summer and transfer them back to your four-year institution in the Fall to eliminate the general education requirements. Like four-year colleges, community colleges often offer shortened summer semesters, meaning that you can complete a 15-week class in half the normal time.