Education Station: The Real Deal of College Attendance in High School

Ohio, USA. Getting a college loan while in high school can be a great way to get started in college.

Many students do this, but how easy or difficult is it? To begin with, taking courses in college as a high school student will not only save you a few college classes earlier, but it will also save you a lot of money.

“They don’t have to pay for these courses. The state will cover the costs,” says Amanda Zakur, assistant director of recruitment at Cleveland State University.

Zakur is referring to the Ohio College Credit Plus Program, or CCP, one of the most popular ways that junior and high school students earn free college credits at any public college in the state.

“This allows any student in grades 7 through 12 to take college-level coursework,” says Zakur. But you must meet certain admission criteria.”

Take, for example, GPA; Every school has different criteria. Many schools require 3.0, but some make exceptions.

“In Cleveland State, if you don’t have a 3.0, we’ll look for a 2.3 GPA and a 16 on the ACT and an 880 on the SAT,” Zakur says.

Warrensville High School alumnus Allen Barkley participates in CCP’s Rising Stars program.

“Students begin in 9th grade with college-level coursework and then gradually build up their learning over the years,” says Heidi Nicholas, Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Operations at Cuyahoga Community College.

Early college courses helped Barkley to become a college graduate before becoming a high school graduate. He admits that he is not the ideal student academically, but he is driven.

“Last Thursday, I got my Bachelor of Arts before I even got my high school diploma,” Barkley says. “I’m not going to sit here and say that I got all fives and fours. I have a couple of fives. It’s not easy. I was definitely about to quit halfway through. It was a lot of work. “, says Barkley. “When the professor says it should be done by 11:59 a.m. on Sunday, it should be done by 11:59 a.m. Sunday. Whereas in high school, you can maneuver a bit.”

Also, if you fail your first college year, it will remain on your permanent college record.

“I think these are conversations that parents and school administrators should have with students to make sure they are socially and academically prepared for college life,” Nicholas says.

In general, faculty and students agree that the pros of going to college early outweigh the cons. And with programs like College Credit Plus and Ohio College Tech Prep, and Early College High Schools that integrate your early college years with a curriculum, it’s easier than ever for kids to get their future started early.

“In May, I’ll graduate from Warrensville, get an associate’s degree in art and high school, and go to Kent State,” says Barkley.

Students should meet with their school counselor to determine which early college entry path is right for them. Some early college programs require this. For more information about Ohio Early College programs and schools, visit the Ohio Department of Education website.