Early University Admissions: How Students Get Accepted Quickly

There are several ways students can get into university early. One way is to take summer courses or test out of classes, allowing them to graduate early and save money. Another way is to enrol in an early entrance program, which allows students to be accelerated into college without obtaining a high school diploma. These programs are often targeted at gifted students and may provide social support and help with adjustment. Additionally, students can earn college credits during high school through Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, as well as by dual-enrolling at community colleges.

Dual-enrolment at community colleges

Dual-enrolment, also known as concurrent enrolment, is a way for students to get a head start on their higher education goals. It allows high school students to take college courses, taught by college professors, which count towards their high school diploma. This gives students an introduction to college life, allowing them to explore interests, careers and majors, and build skills needed in the workforce.

How to Enrol

The steps to enrol as a dual-enrolment student vary from college to college. However, the following are common steps:

• Complete an online college application
• Complete orientation
• Complete and submit a dual-enrolment form
• Register for college classes

Who Can Enrol?

High school students and students attending a non-credit or adult education high school or equivalency program can enrol in classes at their local community college. This includes students attending community schools, continuation high schools, juvenile court schools, or adult education programs.

Benefits of Dual-Enrolment

Students can receive several benefits from participating in dual-enrolment:

• Introduction to and preparation for college life
• Ability to explore interests, careers, and majors
• Opportunity to build skills that are needed in the workforce
• Motivation to pursue a college degree or certificate
• Understanding the benefits of a college education
• Accelerated pathway through college that can save time and money

Drawbacks of Dual-Enrolment

There are some potential drawbacks to dual-enrolment that students and parents should be aware of:

• The grades earned in dual-enrolment courses will be part of the permanent student record and college transcript. Poor grades can hurt students' chances of receiving financial aid and their eligibility to enrol in a four-year college or university.
• Dual-enrolment courses may count toward a total unit cap on financial aid or course enrolment limits.
• Students might be responsible for expenses such as textbooks, supplies, transportation, and meals while attending courses at the campus.

Early entrance programs

Early entrance to college, also known as early admission or early enrolment, is a process that allows students to enter college one or more years ahead of the traditional college entrance age, without obtaining a high school diploma. This can be done individually or as part of a cohort acceleration program. These programs are usually targeted at gifted students and may provide them with a social support network and help with the transition.

In other programs, such as the early entrance program at Shimer College, early entrants study alongside traditional college students. Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year college exclusively for younger students. Some colleges also allow younger students with early enrolment to take classes and participate in the college community.

Prior to the 20th century, American colleges typically admitted students based on examinations or preparatory courses, allowing students to enter at whatever age was deemed appropriate. Many colleges routinely admitted students as young as fourteen, some of whom were entirely self-taught or had received informal tutoring.

The University of Michigan was the first school to make a high school diploma a necessary and sufficient condition for admission in 1870. As high school education became standardised, more colleges followed this model. In the first decade of the 20th century, the Carnegie Foundation adopted the "count" system, which set 15 or 16 Carnegie units (equivalent to four years of high school) as the standard requirement for entry into American colleges and universities. This led to the high school diploma becoming a non-negotiable requirement for college entrance.

Early admission programs

There are several types of early admission programs. Some are special programs within larger colleges, such as the Advanced Academy of Georgia and The Clarkson School. Other programs, like the early entrance program at Shimer College, allow early entrants to study alongside traditional college students. Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year college designed exclusively for younger students.

One example of an early admission program is the University of Washington's Transition School and Early Entrance Program, which began in 1977. This program allows a small group of academically advanced students to attend a one-year college preparatory program as matriculated freshmen at the University, instead of attending high school.

Another example is the Early Admission Program established by Robert Maynard Hutchins, who was the head of the Ford Foundation in 1951. This program provided funding for small early entrance programs at a range of colleges and universities. The program ultimately encompassed twelve schools: Yale, Columbia, Wisconsin, Utah, Chicago, Louisville, Fisk, Goucher, Lafayette, Morehouse, Oberlin, and Shimer.

There are also different types of early admission plans, including early action and early decision. With early action, students can apply to multiple schools and are not bound by any commitment. Early decision, on the other hand, is a binding commitment, meaning that students must attend the college if they are accepted. For this reason, experts recommend only applying for early decision if the college is the student's clear top choice.

Early action and early decision applications

Early Decision (ED)

Early decision is a binding commitment. Students who are accepted as ED applicants must attend that college. It is recommended that students only apply for ED if they have a clear top choice school. Students can apply to only one college under ED. ED plans have been criticised as being unfair to low-income students, as they do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers from different colleges.

Early Action (EA)

Early action is non-binding, meaning students are not bound to attend if accepted. Students can apply to multiple schools under EA. EA gives students the opportunity to compare financial aid packages from different schools.

Advantages of Applying Early

Applying early demonstrates to colleges that a student is serious about attending. It also reduces stress by cutting down the time spent waiting for a decision, and saves the time and expense of submitting multiple applications. Colleges often have higher acceptance rates during the early admission rounds, especially for ED.

Disadvantages of Applying Early

Applying early can put pressure on students to make serious decisions before they have fully explored all their options. Students applying under ED will receive offers of admission and financial aid simultaneously, and will therefore not be able to compare financial aid offers from other colleges. This may be a risky option for students who need financial aid.

Accumulating college credits during high school

Advanced Placement (AP) Classes and Exams

AP classes are developed by CollegeBoard, a national education non-profit, and prepare students for college-level tests in a variety of subjects. Students who pass the AP tests at the end of the year receive college credits applicable at institutions in North America. High schools typically offer AP classes in key competency areas such as English, U.S. history, computer science, chemistry, and music theory. While taking AP courses is usually free, there is a cost associated with the tests, which are around $95 each. It's important to note that not all colleges accept AP credits, so it's recommended to research the policies of your intended schools.

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Classes

AICE classes are offered in over 50 subjects across four main groups: mathematics and science, languages, humanities and arts, and interdisciplinary subjects. These classes allow students to explore their interests while gaining additional academic skills. AICE grades are awarded on a scale from A (highest) to E (minimal performance), and students earning at least seven credits can receive the Cambridge AICE Diploma.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

The IB program is similar to Cambridge AICE but covers different content areas and typically takes around two years to complete. Graduates receive an internationally recognized diploma that demonstrates proficiency in three core elements and a single subject of their choice. Only approved schools can administer the IB program, and over 3,000 colleges and universities worldwide accept IB transcripts. IB exams are scored on a scale of 1-7 and include written assessments in each course or program area.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams

CLEP exams are a great option for motivated students with strong study skills. These tests are similar to AP exams but do not have structured classes ahead of the assessment. Instead, students prepare on their own by building their college-level knowledge in key subjects. CLEP exams are administered throughout the year at approved test centers and cost $89 each. A passing score on a CLEP exam can earn you college credits at thousands of U.S. colleges and universities.

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment allows high school students to enroll in college classes while still in high school. These credits count towards both their high school diploma and their college credits. Students can take general education courses, usually at a community college, and gain a head start on their college education.

Summer Programs

Enrolling in summer programs at colleges is another way to accumulate college credits. These programs offer for-credit courses and provide a taste of the college experience. Students can spend time meeting new people, exploring academic interests, and gaining valuable skills. However, admission to these programs often requires advanced high school standing and a separate application process.

By taking advantage of these opportunities, high school students can get a head start on their college education, save money, and enhance their college applications. It's important to research the specific requirements and policies of your desired colleges to ensure that your hard work pays off!

Frequently asked questions