Easiest ways to earn college credits while in high school?

Hey y'all, lately, I've been really worried about how I'm gonna handle the workload in college. I've heard that earning college credits while still in high school can help lighten that load. I'm pretty overwhelmed and I'm not sure where to start. Has anyone managed to earn a good amount of college credits before stepping foot on campus? What's the easiest way to do it?

There are three main routes to earn college credits while still in high school: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Dual Enrollment programs, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

1. AP courses: Offered at many high schools, these courses culminate in an exam. If you score sufficiently high (generally 3, 4, or 5), many colleges will give you credit for equivalent courses. The College Board offers APs in numerous subjects, from Calculus to Art History, allowing you to potentially accumulate credits in a wide range of areas.

2. Dual Enrollment programs: These programs allow you to enroll in courses at a local community college or similar institution while still in high school. The credits earned through these programs often transfer to universities, and the courses can give you a taste of the college classroom environment. Just ensure that the credits will be recognized by schools you're interested in.

3. IB programs: Similar to APs, IB courses are of a high academic standard and culminate in an exam. If you're pursuing the IB Diploma, certain schools may offer you credit if your total points exceed a certain threshold.

All three ways are excellent mechanisms to ease into college-level coursework and lighten your future course load. However, the "easiest" way often depends on your high school's offerings and your personal academic strengths. Also, remember to check with prospective colleges to ensure your credits will transfer over!