What are the advantages to taking dual enrolled courses?

• Saves time and money.
  
• Credits earned are based on academic performance throughtout the semester.
  
• May shorten the time to college degree completion.
  
• Gives students early exposure to the academic rigors of a college level course at their own high school.
  
• Student is both a high school student and enrolled in college as well (dual enrolled).
  
• College credit is earned at the same time as high school credit.
  
• Instructors for dual enrollment have the credentials to teach at the college level.
  
• Credit earned for many dual enrolled courses may be applied toward a degree or certificate once the student in enrolled in college.
  
• Transfer applicable college credit to all Virginia community colleges and most 4-year colleges and universities.

What courses are offered as dual enrollment credits?

The community college and the high school determine classes that are offered each semester as dual-enrollment courses. Typically, the dual-enrollment classes offered would be courses taken during a student's first year of college.

What are the steps a student must take to enroll in a dual enrollment class at their high school?

• Students should ask their high school counselor about dual enrollment course offerings when they discuss their academic plans for the following school year.
  
• Each student must complete an GCC college Application for Admission.
  
• Students can qualify with SAT Scores, (500 on each section), or take GCC's Compass placement test at their high school.
  
• Students complete a registration form with their high school counselor and pay tuition, (depending on the school system), to the high school in the beginning of the school year..

College Transcripts

Students may request that a copy of their GCC college transcript be sent to other colleges and universities from the GCC Office of Admissions and records once coursework is complete. Students can also view unofficial transcripts through the GCC college website at http://www.germanna.edu/myGCC/ .

How does a dual enrollment course differ from an Advanced Placement (AP) course?

• A dual enrollment course is a college class taught by an instructor who has the degree and credentials to teach at a community college.
  
• Upon successful completion of a dual enrollment course, a student is awarded college credit as well as high school credit.
  
• A high school transcript and a college transcript are separately generated for each school.

Who benefits from dual enrollment classes?

• The student benefits! Studies show that those who acquire college credits while still in high school are more likely to continue their education beyond high school.
  
• Families of the high school students benefit! College credits earned during high school help reduce the financial burden of full-time college tuition.
  
• The Commonwealth of Virginia benefits! It avoids unnecessary duplication of facilities and equipment.