Best methods to earn elective college credits?

Hi everyone, I know that elective college credits are a big part of a college degree, and I want to feel prepared. Can someone tell me what are the easiest ways to earn elective college credits? Are there high school classes or online courses that would give me a head start?

Hello there! You're absolutely right in wanting to prepare for this important part of your degree program. Let me break down several ways to earn elective credits for college.

1. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: These are courses offered at many high schools that, if completed successfully with a high score on the exam (typically a 4 or 5), can earn you college credit. The specific credit given may vary from college to college, but many institutions will give you credit for elective courses if the AP class isn't directly related to your intended major.

2. Dual Enrollment Programs: Some high schools partner with local colleges to offer dual enrollment programs. This means that you can take college-level classes while still in high school and earn college credit. The classes can often be used for elective credit depending on the college you eventually attend.

3. Community College: Another strategy that students use is taking community college classes during the summer or throughout the high school year. These are low-cost alternatives to university classes and can be transferred as elective credits to many universities.

4. Online Courses: Websites such as Coursera and edX offer college-level courses that, in certain cases, can be eligible for college credit, though this could vary depending on the receiving institution. However, these courses can show colleges your desire to learn and your readiness for college coursework.

5. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exam: The CLEP is a group of standardized tests that assess college-level knowledge in several subject areas. Many colleges accept CLEP scores to grant you elective credits, even if you learned the material independently.

Remember, before you decide on any of these options, ensure that the colleges you're interested in actually grant credit for these programs. Some colleges might have more restrictive rules than others. This is why it's essential to do your research on the specific college's policy. Good luck!