For high school students with their eye on their futures, summer can be a wonderful opportunity to gain significant personal and academic advantage. While there are many types of enriching summer experiences, taking a course or program for college credit offers several standout benefits for students who are ready for the extra challenge.
High school students who take courses for college credit can enter college with a head start. By taking courses before officially enrolling in a full-time degree program, students can potentially reduce the number of required courses in the degree program. This can allow students to graduate early or even pursue other coursework (a minor, a double major) without overloading their schedule.
For example, completing general education requirements during the summer may allow room for more specialized courses of interest during the school year.
Summer courses can give high school students a chance to experience what college is like in a more controlled environment. Exposure to college life includes more than just the coursework; it can also include interacting with college professors, adjusting to the independent environment, and navigating the new community. Students in Tufts College Experience, for example, take two college courses, alongside Tufts undergraduate students.
For many students, the first semester of college comes with a steep learning curve, and taking a course in the summer can help alleviate the stress of that transition. Less will be unknown during the first full-time college term.
High school students often feel pressure to choose a college major right away, but considering the relatively limited scope of subjects available in many high schools, it can be intimidating to choose a major having never explored the topic. For-credit summer courses may offer an excellent opportunity to experiment in different disciplines if the student is ready.
It is no secret that schools like Tufts University have a very competitive admissions process. Admissions counselors are looking for students with strong academic backgrounds, involvement in extracurricular activities, commitment to community, and other special talents.
While there is no direct or automatic correlation between involvement in a Tufts Pre-College program and admission to Tufts undergraduate programs, it can be said that involvement in a rigorous summer program demonstrates initiative, academic curiosity, and the ability to handle the high expectations of a university. A transcript with college credits can signal maturity and readiness.
Some high school students will shy away from taking a credit-bearing experience in the summer, while others will dive right in! For-credit summer courses can be a great way to meet and develop friendships with other students who have a similar mindset about their college careers, goals, and interests.
Every year, students in the Tufts Pre-College programs form friendships that last far beyond the duration of the program. It can be a wonderful way to begin building a supportive and interesting network of peers.
While there are many benefits to taking college-level coursework in the summer as a high school student, this decision requires careful consideration.
- It is important to know that each college or university will have its own policy and practice around transfer credit. Taking a math course in the summer doesn’t automatically mean that the math general education will be met in the undergraduate program. We recommend exploring the policies for transfer credit at the institution(s) that are being most considered for the degree program.
- Make sure your student is prepared and supported to meet the expectations of college before enrolling. It is typical to expect about two hours of independent work required for every hour in class. For example, if a student takes a three-credit hour course, they should expect to spend about three hours a week in class, and six hours per week on outside readings and homework. This schedule can be even more intense during condensed six-week summer terms.
Taking courses for college credit in high school offers more than just an academic advantage—it’s an investment into the student’s future, if they are well-prepared, interested, and supported.
From gaining a head start in college, to exploring interests, meeting people, and growing their college resume, there is much to gain for students who are interested and willing in this endeavor.
Whether it’s courses in the arts, sciences, business, or beyond, Tufts University College offers various opportunities to earn college credit as a high school student. If your child or mentee is interested in pursuing for-credit summer courses at Tufts, empower their potential and open doors to new possibilities with coursework that sets them up for post-high school success.
Request more information about our courses for college credit today.