Is Your Student Ready for College-Level Classwork?
Signing up for college courses is a big step. Compare differences between high school and college classes to ensure you're ready to enroll in dual credit.
| High School Classes | College Classes |
|---|---|
| Teachers tell students frequently when assignments are due and tests are scheduled. | Students are responsible for completing assignments and taking tests on time as outlined in the syllabus. |
| Teachers tell students what they need to study. | Students determine what they need to learn. |
| Teachers provide outlines, notes and study guides. | Students take notes and prepare their own outlines and study guides. |
| Teachers provide progress / grade reports frequently. | Students monitor their own progress and calculate their own grades. |
| Teachers provide the information needed for successful completion of the class. | Students must have prerequisite knowledge and skills before starting the class. |
| Teachers ask questions and lead discussions. | Students are expected to generate questions and initiate discussion. |
| Teachers cover all course content during class time. | Students are responsible for learning all material whether or not it is presented in class. |
| Teachers give tests over the material and provide make-up tests and retakes. | Students take fewer tests over larger amounts of material and are not necessarily allowed to make-up or retake tests. |
| Grades are based on many assignments: class participation, extra-credit opportunities and many quiz and test grades. | Student grades are based on a small number of assessments. |
| Parents have open communication with the teacher and their student. | Due to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), communication is between only the student and professor. |
| Subject matters may be avoided to gear instruction towards high school student population. | College courses sometimes deal with controversial issues or subject matter. |
| Courses are taught by high school teachers. | Courses are taught by college-credentialed faculty. |
| Grades are part of your high school GPA. | Grades earned are part of your permanent college transcript. |
Other Considerations
- Non-citizen and undocumented students can and do take dual credit classes. Additional documentation will be required. See your Coordinator of Educational Partnerships for details.
- Parents and students should consider goals, maturity, responsibility, and academic ability levels prior to enrolling in the dual credit program.
- Students must have the permission of their counselor, academic coordinator, or principal in order to enroll in dual credit.
- Dual credit classes require college tuition. Different high schools handle this differently, but all dual credit students must pay their college tuition.
- Tuition is based on residency classification.
- Students enrolled in a dual credit classes that are not able to complete the class must withdraw through TCC as well as the high school. The coordinator of dual credit and high school representative can assist with this process, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are withdrawn.
- Dual credit students must adhere to all established registration deadlines and to the dates set by their schools, for admissions, class registration, and payment if applicable.
- Attendance and participation in the college course is required; and should not be interrupted due to high school extra-curricular activities.
Questions?
Contact your school's Coordinator of Educational Partnerships.
Updated December 15, 2023