Can I take college courses online while I'm still in High School?

Question

I'm not 18 yet but I want to get ahead if possible. I want to find an online college class that won't be to expensive to pay either!

Answer 1

Check out your local community college in your area. Many will take students if they meet the GPA requirements. If your grades are good, the college fees can be waived (that means free tuition). All you would need to do is fill out an application to the college and then fill out the "fee waiver for high school student" application form. After your application has been processed and you have been accepted, then you can register for your classes. You can either attend a class or take a course online if it is offered. However, you will still have to buy the course materials (textbooks). Also, there is usually a 1 or 2 course limit (determined by the number of units/credits) per semester.

There are other programs offered through colleges and universities. Some are geared specifically for high school students. Many of these programs are a bit more costly. Don't forget to also look into summer programs for high school students.

Either way, you're on to a good start. It's a great idea to start taking classes while you're in high school. Especially if you take you're general education. It's even better if you can finish the courses successfully because you get the college credit and it looks good on a college application if you decide to go to a 4 year college/univerities.

Good luck!

Note: Taking an online course requires discipline, self-motivation, etc.. Make sure you know your own limitations because an online course may not provide you with the support that you may need (in case you need help).

Note:
If you still want to take a college course:
1) make sure the school is accredited.
2) take a placement exam (usually math and English) regardless of your course level in high school. It may benefit you by placing you in the right course (maximize your success) and it sometimes gives you registration priority ahead of new students who have not taken a placement exam.
3) Remember that not all courses are transferable college courses. Some may be courses to prepare you for a college level course (ex. pre-algebra) or it can be a trade course (ex. cosmetology or auto mechanics).
4) Remember, there is no hurry to take college courses. You will have plenty of time to go to college.

Answer 2

Watch out for those online classes. They are definitely a mixed bag -- some charge a great deal for very little content, and most cannot be transferred for college credit. If you know what college you will be attending, you could see if that school offers online courses for credit, and that might get you ahead of the game once you start attending.

However, I wouldn't do this if your high school classes will suffer. And the answerer above has a point: have fun while you can! All work and no play... If you really want to impress a college, get into community service. It can be fun, you will learn a lot of what you can't learn from books, you're providing a valuable service, and it shows you are a well rounded, charitable person! Win-win!

Answer 3

Some (most ?) of the traditional state universities and colleges will not accept transferred classes from some of the on-line colleges.

Why not do this,
1. focus on high school (get your grades as high as possible. Also become active in civic organizations - Keyettes, Science, etc clubs - they matter when you apply for some scholarships.)

2. In Virginia, some high school have advance classes taught at local colleges. If your high school does this, try 1 or 2 classes. If not, you have another option (see #3).

3. As soon as ou get out of high school, go to summer school at a community college. You have a higher possibility that classes at the community colleg will transfer to a university. Its not 100%, but its a lot better odds than some of the on-line classes.

When I was in college (1969-73), basic classes - like English were easily transferred from the community college to the university.

Answer 4

You may be able to. I don't reccommend it. You are far better off putting your time and energy into doing well in high school. Don't rush it. And if you have time and energy to spare--go have some fun, for heaven's sake!


Good luck! :)

Answer 5

129

Answer 6

These guys list 141 online colleges check it out.

http://www.elearners.com/colleges/